I’m at a loss here. My 3 yearold daughter is never satisfied no matter what I do or give her. She’s always been a very loud, social little girl. Since the day she was born, it feels like everything has revolved around her: family gatherings, playdates, you name it. Now I’m starting to wonder if this has backfired somehow, because nothing seems to make her happy anymore. If she gets one cookie, she asks for two. If we go to the park for an hour, she wants two hours. And when I say no, it’s a complete meltdown.
I feel so guilty, like I’ve created this expectation that the world always bends to her. I’m really worried about where this is heading… Am I doing something wrong? Has anyone else dealt with this? How do you find balance between giving your kids what they need and teaching them that they can’t always have more?
Oh wow, Meghan, I could have written this post myself! My little boy is exactly the same. He’s got this larger than life personality and it’s beautiful but also so draining. I totally get where you’re coming from sometimes it feels like nothing will ever be enough. We used to do these big outings thinking it would wear him out or make him happy, but instead, he’d just ask what were we doing next, It’s like they become so used to stimulation that slowing down becomes impossible.
I started working on giving him smaller doses of “fun” things and intentionally introducing moments where he has to wait or not get what he wants. It’s hard, cue the tantrums, but slowly, it’s teaching him that it’s okay not to get everything.You’re not alone in this and it doesn’t mean you’ve done anything wrong. These kids just have BIG personalities!
Honestly, same here. I’ve been feeling like I’m failing every day because my daughter is exactly like this…there’s never enough of anything. It’s exhausting. 
This sounds just like my son. I’m honestly confused too…how do you teach a kid who’s so full of energy and demand that sometimes they can’t have it all? I’ve tried reasoning with him, offering alternatives, even setting strict limits, but it always ends in a meltdown. It feels like he doesn’t know how to be satisfied, and it’s hard not to wonder if I’ve somehow spoiled him.
Have you found anything that works so far? I feel like I’m constantly stuck between wanting to nurture his curiosity and independence and needing to teach him that life isn’t a buffet where you can keep going back for more. I’d love to know what’s worked (if anything) or even just hear how you’re coping with all of this.
Hey Meghan! My oldest was the same around this age, always demanding more and never satisfied. What helped me was setting clear boundaries and sticking to them, no matter how tough it felt in the moment. I’d say things like, “We’re going to the park for 30 minutes, and then we’re leaving,” and I’d set a timer. When the timer went off, we left, even if there was a meltdown. The first few times were brutal, but over time, he started to understand that I meant what I said.
Another thing that helped was adding in quiet time at home noo screens, no activities, just playing with what we already had. It’s not easy, especially with a high energy kid, but it’s taught him to be okay with “enough.” Also, don’t forget to take time for yourself! You can’t pour from an empty cup.