Maggie, I know I've posted when I'm frustrated and know exactly how you feel. I definitely didn't think you have a terrible kid. My five year old is the same way. She is so sweet but has WAY too much energy. It is hard to find balance for her. Good luck with the no nap day!!!

Thanks, skimommy! I'm giving you a cyber hug right now! I know you get it, but then again you know me better than most of the ladies here. I will let you know how it goes. I think I knew in my heart the big old nap was at the root of my problems but it is one of those things I selfishly hate to give up.

You should see him at the pool. You would be proud. I got him some water wings and that kid is running full speed and launching off the diving board and swimming to the side, laughing all the way. He must have done it 100 times in a row today. It is a great way to wear him out! I think he will be swimming by himself by the end of the summer.

Oh Maggie, I know I'm headed where you are. Even though ds just turned 2, I know he will be this kind of kid too. We already have good months and bad months and I'm already questioning the length of his naps because he hasn't been falling asleep at night until 9 (we continue to put him in bed by 8 no matter what though, I'm hoping he may adjust back )
Even though I have not had a 3 year old yet, I would do what you are thinking about, put him in his room for "quiet time" with no sleeping required and then if he does fall asleep, not let it go for more than an hour. Already somedays ds won't fall asleep until 2:00 (he goes in at 1) and I always get him up by 3, it seems like if I let him go past, then he definitely is still jumping up and down and throwing books out of the crib at 9.
The other suggestion I have is to wear him out!!! I think you are headed in the right direction with lots of exercise, climbing at the playground and pool time (it's awesome that he's doing so great!) Plus, always doing something active before errands helps me a lot and even for a 5 minute run in a store, ds gets to have a box of raisins, it keeps him busy. I also like Autismmom's suggestion about making a game out of chores to wear him out mentally too (just like my border collie , I swear that some days ds and the dog are twins!)
I have considered getting the book on the "spirited child" as a pp suggested. Ds is very stubborn, energetic and focused and I want to make sure I am meeting his needs. I have to remind myself that he doesn't have "issues", just tons of creative energy and sometimes I have to adjust my expectations and my lifestyle for it. (and probably give up the coveted nap )

I have this book somewhere, I could mail it to you if I can find it.

I can picture this! That is so awesome!!

My five year old was full of herself yesterday. She was kneeboarding for a crowd

Awwwww Maggie, I think you are a wonderful mom!!! That age can be so challenging, I think I would have done everything 100% the way you did. I know it is hard, hard, hard, but try not to be too hard on yourself. I can see myself so much in your post, especially the 'losing it' part, then apologizing, which I do as well and I think is healthy. Keeping everything bottled up, first is no good for your health, 2nd doesn't represent true life to me. Your ds was being 'challenging', you were frustrated, and no life isn't rosy all the time: I think this is healthy to express to children!!!

As far as the sleep thing - and this is only what worked for us - because every child is different. At almost 3, ds gave up his nap and was going to bed around 6:30 at night. I've had numerous people give me the business about this, but he used to crawl to the stairs and put his head on the step and nod his head when I asked if he wanted to go to bed. Well I don't need a house to fall on me to let me know the child needed sleep, so we put him up.

I guess is what I'm saying is that you need to do what ds needs, whatever that might be, and it just might take some cajoling with his schedule to find out what works best.

Every one on here that 'knows' you knows you are a great mom. Hang in there, hopefully today will be a better day. I know at that age, I kept a very very cute picture of ds around and when ds was being naughty I'd just look at that picture and remind myself just how much I loved him. That helped a lot.

Good luck!!!

I would stop the afternoon nap. I was having the same sleep issue with my almost 3 year old and once I got rid of that nap he went right to bed at 7. Good luck!

I would stop the afternoon nap. I was having the same sleep issue with my almost 3 year old and once I got rid of that nap he went right to bed at 7. Good luck!

Oh my, I have one of those "spirited" kids. He won't listen to a word I say one day and then the next day he is perfect. I think they are testing their limits at this age.

I'm not sure what to do about the nap thing right now either. My Son turns 3 tomorrow. He takes long naps during the afternoon and then won't go to bed untill like 9:30. I might have to try giving up the naps too. Let me know how yours son does with it!! I'd love to see you post again on this topic!

And don't worry, you are a great Mom.

Girl....I so feel you.....my daughter will be 3 in August and she is a terror. She knows how to push my buttons and get her way. We go somewhere and if we do not do what she wants, she screams until she gets her way or we leave....I have started letting her scream, which has gotten me lots of looks and even a visit from the store manager asking me if everything is okay. I told her we were fine and I had to finish my things that day since it was the only day I had to do it. She just wanted her way. We walked out of the store, crying turned off.....ugh.....you are not alone....I feel your pain....