Three is the New Two

I know it's still about 2 months off, but the kiddos have hit three already.

I've heard the preschool progression described as "terrible twos, tantrum threes, and f**ing fours."

I'm convinced that either "three" starts with an "F" or is a four-letter word.

Can you say "awful"?

Coupled with constant sleep deprivation and the newly-arrived heat, this growing independence and need for control, plus an amazing ability to verbalize feelings and thoughts--oftentimes in a bossy or whiny way--has made the last 10 days nearly unbearable.

There has been pushing, hitting, biting, grabbing, "kabooming other people's things," water thrown in faces. They've both been in timeout several times a day. Hell, I've been in timeout, closing myself in the bathroom for peace, quiet, and a need for self-control so I don't throttle one of them. And, oh, the noise: screeching, screaming, crying, shouting, and I swear they can both cackle. Classic gems like "I don't have to" and whiny "why?" and, of course, "no" usually rendered as "no thanks" abound. Can almost-threes have mastered dripping sarcasm?

It's starting to look like the "before" clip on "Supernanny" over here.

And I'm trying to potty train too?

Maybe, just maybe I can get excited about preschool in three months.

That said, I think I completely understand their need for control and independence. And their fear of it. For three years, I've been in charge and done most things for them and now I am slowly weaning them of my help and trying to get them to do most things (at the same time telling them there are a lot of things they can't do, like touch the crockpot or chase a ball into the street). It's a confusing time--they want to do it themselves but can't always or decide maybe, just maybe, that they don't want to grow up and be free of me just yet. Which is why, I think, they didn't even try the potty yesterday. And so, we're all in a jumble.

But there's not much you can do to stop progress and development, even if you want to sometimes.