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Everyone talks about the terrible twos, but what about the trying threes? What’s so trying about three-year-olds? They need constant attention and want to get into everything. They try their parents’ patience. So what can you do to help these children?

Move Things out of Reach

One thing you can do is be sure before you go to bed to put things out of reach of these little hands. Three-year-olds tend to come out their beds, either during the night or in the morning before others are up, and get into things. Be sure that nothing is left on kitchen counters, coffee tables, or kitchen tables that you don’t want little hands to find. Also, put stools in places that can’t be found so these little busy bodies can’t use them to get higher.

Give Them Alternatives

If your little one tends to get up before you do and get into foods they shouldn’t, try putting out snacks on the table that you’re okay with him or her eating, so they don’t get into other foods and make a mess.

Patience

Although these sweethearts try your patience, take the opportunity to increase your patience levels. Also, be sure to set aside as much time as you can spend with your little one just you and him or her. Read books, play with play dough, play Candy Land, build towers, and pretend you’re pirates. This will make both you and your darling feel happy.

It may be a trying time, but remember that your child doesn’t mean to be annoying or frustrating. He or she is just trying to understand this world.