a LOT of what you describe sounds so familiar. it does get better; we just took down the gate to the kitchen so our 4 can move more freely about because when 2 or 3 she was into EVERYTHING, sneaking or otherwise. Out the front door if not locked/safety capped, etc., but of course we still had to watch like hawks. Now finally there is a bit of peace, but she is still very headstrong, her way or the highway, but that too seems to be a bit more flexible.
Yes to this and to the previous poster who noted "Feeling your pain."
Supernanny-style methods
do work.
The bad news is that it apparently only lasts until adolescence, and then you get horrible, PTSD style flashbacks to these years... just without the little-one sweetness in between the hair-rasing adventures. You could consider this a preview, if you will. LOL!
One thing that I found worked VERY well with my DD at this age was a three step approach to problems with her:
a) calm her down when she's freaking out/out of control-- find a low-sensory place that you can PLACE your child for "calm down" time. Then leave them there when they need it-- whether that is so that they can stop a massive tantrum, or so that you can clear away the havoc, either way...
b) talk it over-- express disappointment with actions/choices... try to get the CHILD to suggest ways of improving his/her control over himself/herself so that it doesn't happen again. (Keep this simple and age appropriate, btw-- that is why I suggest letting the child take the lead there-- but gifties will surprise sometimes in their sophistication.)
c) compromise where you CAN. (and hey, with basic safety, there isn't a compromise. So be it.)
