HELP - 3 y.o. behavioural change

[Chocaholic]

My 3 y.o. DS has gone from being a happy fun little boy to a whingy, crying, unhappy little boy and I don't know why.

Thursday morning he was fine, his usual self. Thursday afternoon the carers at daycare said he was very quiet which is not how he normally behaves. Nothing else was different, ate dinner, went to bed as normal.

Friday, he became a nightmare. Refused to go to daycare, refused to get dressed, did not eat breakfast, did everything exactly the opposite he was asked to. The exact opposite to how he is normally. DH had the day off so he kept him home in the morning. Tried to drop him off at daycare mid-morning and ended by bringing him home, he was that distressed. He was happy to play with the kids and cuddled the carers but refused to stay.

Today he has alternated between being whingy, crying over nothing, inconsolable and then he is his normal self for a few minutes before it starts all over again.

I am getting so frustrated and I can't seem to calm him down when he gets upset. Has this happened to anyone else? Please say yes!!

Oh, and I checked with daycare. Nothing happened at daycare out of the ordinary and even DS said that he had a good day on Thursday.

I have no idea and am feeling like I am a useless mother as I can't figure out what is wrong.

[~Trish~]

Could he be coming down with something? Sometimes my boys become a bit like that and a day or two later come down with a cold or some other illness.

I hope he goes back to his old self quickly .

[No.5]

My DS has become the exact same the past few days, no idea why though. Usually it is because he's coming down with something but he doesn't seem to be this time. Its so frustrating when all they do all day is cry and sook for no reason...

Sorry can't offer any help, just want you to know you're not alone.

[mrsmac]

I'd say hes coming down with something hun, or he has the tired end of term feeling we teachers and school kids get!

[Janie]

I'd guess that he's possibly coming down with something. Or just over tired and not coping.

I totally sympathise, my DS used to be like this ALOT, until we found out that he had allergies and intolerances that affected his sleep and behaviour. I'm not at all suggesting that's the problem for your DS, but just letting you know that you're not alone in your frustration . It is very, very difficult when you can't console your child, it's terribly upsetting. Don't feel useless, we all have those times when we can't quite figure out what's going, it's all a part of motherhood . The fact that you're talking to his carer's and posting about it shows that you care. The reason for it all will come to light,and I hope that's very soon, for all of you!

[mrsmac]

I second Janie's post, DS has some issues with a few food additives, the difference in him since we took them out of his diet has been huge.
As a mum I think you always have times where you have no idea! I have been a mum for 18 years next month and i think I know less now than when I started. The fact that you care and that you are asking questions means you are a great mum so never doubt yourself.

[Chocaholic]

Thank you ladies. It is very nice to get some support and to know I am not the only one going through this.

I am not sure about the food additives etc as he has not changed his diet in any way so would he react now?

I don't think he is getting sick as he usually doesn't behave like this but will be going to to Drs if it continues to rule out anything medical.

I spoke to my mum (yah for mums!!) and she said that he could be going through a stage where he is thinking more about what is happening around him and what will be happening in the future. He could be overwhelmed. We will be going through some changes soon with a holiday in a week and we are moving over Christmas as well. Cooper knows all this as we have discussed it, read stories about it, shown him pictures of the new house etc. Hoping this is what it is but I just don't know.

Thank you again.