Helping My 3Yo Dd W/ "I Can't!"

I think how you react depends on her frustration level. If she is just saying "I can't" then you can encourage her, ask her to try, etc. If she is frustrated by a task, it might be better to take a step back and try again later. There are so many new things she is doing at this age, she might feel pressure to do everything the right way. It might also help to point out when you don't do something right to show her that it is okay to do things wrong. It really might help to be "be a goof" for a bit, like put the milk in the pantry and say "Oops, Mommy put the milk in the pantry. That's not where the milk goes!" Show her it is okay to make mistakes.

I have a son who gets frustrated easily as well. I'd love to hear the suggestions the other moms gave you!

N.

Your daughter may becoming frustrated as she moves into more difficult tasks. I suggest that when she feels "beaten" by a task that you join her in the task, if only to help her decide how to tackle it, and lend support along the way. Then, make sure that she is well praised when she accomplishes the task, but yet point out that it was by HER work that she succeeded, and that you are very proud of her. She will not only learn that she can do it, but she will learn that the help of others can get her through a task.

Please don't take offense moms, but, kid LAZINESS ALERT!!

First, you need to do her best to calm her down and give her confidence. "Sweetie, I know you haven't done this before/ don't do this often, but you really need to learn how."

She may feel frustrated by learning something new, but if it's an age appropriate task you need to have her do it, even if she does it wrong. Tell her it's OK, she's learning. Help her as you need to but let her know you won't always be around to help her tie her shoes or zip and snap her pants. I guarantee, she wants you to do it for her because it's hard to do for her at first. She needs to learn to do things for herself.

My daughter is almost five and tries this all the time. I have her dress herself mostly, for instance, but I'm not asking her to pick up a gallon jug of milk and pour her own. Age (and size!) appropriate. Both of you will need a healthy dose of patience for her to learn new things.

Oh and by the way, kids are fan-TAS-tic actors! Soap opera stars got nuthin' on them!

Just another example of how kids will run all over you if you let them. Just my two cents...!

S. Kav