Read this thread—great advice

https://www.dcurbanmom.com/jforum/posts/list/844141.page

Anonymous wrote:They might seem big and mature, but they still have little kid feelings.

Especially if they have younger siblings. My 4 yo seemed like a giant when his brother was born,

These are the years where some of the funniest memories emerge. Write them down!

Find ways they can help.

It keeps them occupied and gives them a sense of pride. Makes your life easier!

Examples:
Spinning salad dry
Collecting laundry
Putting folded laundry away
Matching socks
Clearing the table
Setting the table
Feeding pets
Emptying grocery bags after shopping

They might seem big and mature, but they still have little kid feelings.

Anonymous wrote:Always keep your word. The easiest way to do that is to never say "no." Just say "later."

For example:
"Can I have a cookie?"
"Later."

That way, if you give in 5 minutes later, it's still technically later, and you still kept your word. If you say "no," then you can never give in.

Never say “no?” This is a part of what’s wrong with so many kids in our area. So many great, polite kids, but also so many who’ve been spoiled rotten.

Never tolerate whining or demanding; "Find a way to ask me nicely" or "I can think about that if you ask me nicely."

It's not easy being 3.

Start practicing some meditation/mindfulness with them now - gets them able to regulate their emotions at an earlier age.

This too shall pass. Or, it's all a phase.

(With obvious health exceptions, etc), the things you think are problems now are minor compared to what is coming so keep perspective. -Parent of teenagers

Make yourself their safe space. If they lose control or you lose control, then sit your butt on the floor, apologize or empathize, and offer a snuggle. Nobody's perfect, but model good deescalation and reconciliation.

And don't baby them. Let them do stuff themselves even if it takes longer and they make a mess in the process. Praise effort, not outcome. Teach them good manners and how to share, FFS.