terrific 3's?

When Gabe turned three, it was literally like a switch was flipped and these crazy temper tantrums started occuring... making me wonder if three was worse than two ('terrible two's'). But now, all of a sudden, it seems like the 'good boy' switch has been turned back on! :) Gabe has been such a joy the past couple of days! He's always a joy, don't get me wrong, but some days are tougher than others! He has been so cuddly the last few days and he's really only been cranky when he's been tired. The tantrums are down to maybe 1 a day, and we can definitely deal with that. They're also becoming shorter in duration.

Greg and I were having trouble with the tantrums and ended up spending one night watching an episode on Dr. Phil called "Controlling the Chaos". (Click on Controlling the Chaos to watch the episode) We learned so much from that! We saw ourselves in the parents that gave empty threats. We also saw ourselves in the parents that got emotional with the tantrums. We learned to basically become "deaf" when Gabe has been put in time out. When he's in time out, the goal should be for him to stay there... even if he's crying and yelling that he wants to get down. Only keep him there for the 2 minutes, and then take him out. This will show him that we're not taking him out because of his crying and screaming, we're taking him out because he listened and stayed for two minutes. It's hard to stay calm, deaf, and unemotional during a tantrum, but it really has helped in the duration and frequency of them. It really feels good to see something working. That Dr. Phil might know what he's talking about!

The kitchen is coming along very well. Greg has done an awesome job and has spent many hours working his tail off to get it done quickly. I'm very thankful to have a handy husband so we don't have to hire everything done. And, I'm thankful that he's willing to put in the extra work. I've watched him come home from a tiring day at work, only to get on his hands and knees and grout the new tile. Then, bracing himself for a toddler to jump up on his lap. I got a good one. I think I'll keep him! :) I'll take some pictures and get them posted tomorrow while the little dude is at preschool.