I thought 2 was the terrible age?  I was sadly mistaken as my child has been finding her identity the day she turned 3.  Ever since her 3rd bday, almost immediately following the party she has decided to test my patience with words like; No, I don't want to, go away mommy, leave me alone.  I see stars ever time she says these words to me.  Am I alone and what should I do???

Oh, by the way - I am a single parent with no family or friends living in Texas.  I recently relocated here with my employer.  Dad did not think Texas was for him, so here we are.....loving life!

My heart feel the pain for your child.  I think what your child need is love and people to be with her.  She will be excited if you bring her out to meet your friends with children.   At this age, I think your child just want accompany.  Your child may be bored. 

Deborah my daughter just turned 3 in March and we are going through a ruff battle too. as she wants to what she wants, when she wants and has a good strong voice, voicing her choices.

I am trying to find a way to deal with the attitude as i gets worse when we are out in public. its been very trying.

so trust me you are not alone. i am a work from home mom and spend alot of time with her so  i think maybe its just there way of becoming a moe indepedent person.

Hi Deborah! You are not alone!  My daughter turned 3 in May...and his been pushing the buttons ever since.  Sunday I got "no, I don't love you anymore"...which was simply a derivated of her usual 'no, I don't care anymore' - and that was something picked up from a comment her dad made to me one day (little did we know she was listening from outside the door).  She's like a sponge, she picks everything up even from the next room and then starts twisting and turning it to see what else it can do.  It's frustrating.  Just try to remain patient/calm (that's the hardest thing for me) and if a time out or whatever is needed - stick to your guns.  They are learning by testing...and i'm sure she is also in the process of adjusting so that makes it extra tough.  Stay strong...single working mom, that's a tough job - but don't ever doubt yourself.

Hi deborah,

I know your pain my little girl turned three this spring.  And as I read your post I laughed.  Those words described my little one.  Her public outbursts are nerve wracking.  Well I take a lot of deep breaths, when in public and she starts out with the attitude and awful behavior, I just say out loud;  "Mommie is going to count till three" and then she knows I mean business.  I usually have to followup with time out when we get home.  And she hates being in time out.  She's a work in progress and so is Mommie.  HANG IN THERE.  My mom tells me this won't last too long.  Soon she will be my sweet angel again..... 

Oh yes Deborah, my twins just turn 3 in April.  I found out that they learn to be angry, nasty and said harsh words which they pick up from the way the adult talk or from watching television series.  When their attitute is very bad I will immediately correct them very fiercely by shouting at them and they really scare of me.  Later after that, I will explain to them gently why they should not do or say this or that and than hug and kiss them.   I always tell them God is sad if they are bad children.