Why at 3?

I thought I was so lucky and had such a good child. I didn't have to go through those terrible twos. At 2 years old my son was just the sweetest little thing.

Now at 3 1/2 he is turning in to a little monster. Last week I had a day that was just soooo bad with him. It just so happened to be my birthday that day. That didn't make him any better. Yesterday I had a day of wanting to pull my hair out and check myself in to a mental institution. (I always wondered it I would finally get some rest there!)

At this moment I am fussing him for being down right mean to the dog. (She tends to hide from him now!)

Back to yesterday. I spent all day with him playing outside, watching his favorite movies, painting, playing with the dog, and so on. Well, I had to make a quick run to the store for something I didn't realize I need to make dinner and didn't have it. On the way home he was mad because I didn't let him have something he wanted.

I made the mistake of asking him "Didn't I do enough for you today with out having to stop at Sonic to get you a slushy." I was in a hurry to get home and cook.

He then told me "No! You don't do enough for me!" This just crushed me. I tried to explain in not to nice of a voice that I don't work just so that I can stay home with him. When he continued to tell me I wasn't a very good Mommy I then asked him if he wanted a new Mommy. He said Yes! I started going through my list of other women who could be his new mommy. He didn't want any of them.

Needless to say when Hubby got home and he was still acting like a little brat the shit hit the fan. He didn't want to eat because apparently I don't cook anything good. He spent I don't know how long on his knees last night. He also got I don't know how many lectures at the same time.

By the end of the night he didn't finish his food, get a bath, or a bed time story. He was lucky to get his p.j.'s on. Today he is punished with no cartoons, no kool-aid in his sippy cup (this is what he fills up on so he doesn't eat his food), no going outside to play, and no candy or snacks between meals.

I really don't think it is bothering him. We just don't know what to do to really punish him so he understands he can't act this way. Any suggestions would be welcome!!!!