Ask Margaret - All I Hear is "Me First!"

This week Margaret answers this listener question:

"All I hear is "me first!" I have two boys, 4 1/2 and 2 years old, both constantly insisting on being first and having meltdowns when they aren't.

Doesn’t matter what it is–first to be handed their applesauce pouch, first to be unbuckled from the car seats, first to get out the door, down the stairs... help!"

Competitiveness is developmentally appropriate behavior for these kids' ages– it's reasonable behavior to expect at this age. Even so, there are ways to work against it.

It's a good idea not to respond to demands to "be first," to talk with your kids about why this behavior is frustrating (when it's not happening), and to keep working on the concept of taking turns.

In this episode, Margaret cites Karen Levine's article "Why Kids Are Competitive" for parents.com. Read it here: https://www.parents.com/kids/development/behavioral/why-kids-are-competitive/

Send us your parenting questions– we might answer yours next! questions@whatfreshhellpodcast.com

* Leave us a rating or review in your favorite podcast app!

* Join us on Facebook: https://facebook.com/whatfreshhellcast

* Instagram: https://instagram.com/whatfreshhellcast

* YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/WhatFreshHellPodcast

* Pinterest: https://pinterest.com/whatfreshhellcast

* Twitter: https://twitter.com/WFHpodcast

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices