Yes, yes, yes to all those points but with my DS1 - who will be 3 in 3months.

I know its just a phase and hopefully he'll come out the other side ok...but geez isn't it frustrating!!!

My cousin had actually warned me that after the terrible 2's comes the f'ing 3's (hope that doesn't offend anyone)...and by golly she is proving to be right! I'm looking forward to next year...when DS1 will still be 3 and DS2 will be 2 - can't wait for that time to pass. Because apparently after the 3's is the fabulous 4's (and going by her son...seems to be right...I think I can handle the why, why, why and everything else a 4 year old can throw at me maybe )

One thing I'm finding that is helping over the tantrum is to get down on his level and talk to him (and try to stay calm myself)- though not always effective - but if I catch the issue early it works better.

Also got a similar issue with swearing - though I mainly blame my DH for that . I'm sure DS1 called me a B**** at today's 'extreemly overtired' state tantrum....I can't be 100% sure and don't know where he would've heard it to use it the way he did (I don't ever recall DH calling me that). I keep telling DH to try not to swear in front of him...but he still does (and I know sometimes I get a little frustrated and it slips out of my mouth too). I'm not sure how to handle it exactly either...we try to tell him its a naughty word and even when we say it and he repeats it straight away that we are naughty (like naughty mummy and naughty daddy) but he still pops out with them at the appropriate moment. I'm also trying to substitute the "***" with "for cup cakes" now too - though don't know if that really a solution

I haven't had a chance to read all the responses...will try to pop back later (my boys have just woken) - but would also like to see what others have said and possibly use any tips suggested to you...cause we're in the same boat (and will be again with DS2 in the near future).

to us both.