OT-What to do w/ unruly 3 year old

[toesmom]

My DS has been out of control lately. We got him a puppy before Easter because he has wanted a dog for some time. Well once we got the dog he realized it took attention away from him. Now he is just not listening at all. Timeouts don't seem to work. He acted the same way after his sister was born in June.

I just don't know what to do. I work FT so my mother is home with him and my DD all day and I don't want it to become too much for her.
I thought maybe putting him in daycare 2 days a week might help.

Any suggestions???

Do you think it may be possible for you or your dh to spend some extra time with him? Possibly he may feel a little isolated because a 2yo with your mom probably requires more of her time, and maybe just maybe he is sort of left a little more alone so she can deal with the younger child. Since you work full-time, he may possibly just be acting out and wanting some attention. That's not a bad thing, just the way he is getting the message across?

I know it's hard to find time for this, but I think it may make a difference. I find when I am rushed and can't sit down with the kids, that's when they seem to bother me the most. When I actually get down to their level and take the time with them, they usually do listen and are not acting out.

Before getting really hard on him, consider that he may just want some extra attention. And I don't think that's a crazy idea for a 3 year old. Sending him to preschool for 2 days a week may not really be the solution.