Download FREE Practo app
Get ₹200 HealthCash
3 year old is obsessed with candies
My daughters 3.3 year old and she is good at everything but nowdays her behaviour is little worrsome today her teacher also complained abut her for asking candies everytime, she is obsessed with candies n lollipops if anyone give her 1 she ask for 2 and if we dont give she start crying loudly, everytime wen we serve food she always look into other plates or tiffin ( wen in school) and is only bothered about what others are eating. I am not getting what is wrong with her. Wen i talk to her she just ignore. For evrything she wannts she starts crying even if ita not hers that feela very embarassing sometimes. Kindly guide what i am doing wrong. Is there aanything we can do aboit it because she doesnt listen, the more we say no to anything the more she does it. Dont knw how to handle her. Earier she was so happy and loving nowdays dont what has happened to her.
Answers (12)
Get your queries answered instantly with Care AI FREE
20000+ health queries resolved in last month
Connect with psychotherapist
Answered
Flag this answer
Let others know if this answer was helpful
Was this answer helpful?
YES
NO
Didn't find the answer you are looking for?
Talk to experienced doctor online and get your health questions answered in just 5 minutes.
+165
At around 3 years of age, children are still learning how to regulate their emotions and control their impulses. Wanting candies, comparing food with others, and crying when they don’t get what they want can be quite common at this developmental stage. Your daughter’s behavior may not necessarily mean something is “wrong,” but rather that she is testing limits and learning how to express her wants. Children also tend to repeat behaviors that get attention or results, even if it is through crying.
The important part is consistency in how adults respond. If sometimes she receives the candy after crying and sometimes she doesn’t, the child may continue the behavior hoping it will work again. At this age, children are also very curious about what others have, which explains why she looks at other children’s plates or tiffins.
Next Steps
• Set clear and consistent rules about sweets and explain them in simple language.
• Avoid giving candies when she cries, as this can reinforce the behavior.
• Praise and encourage her when she behaves calmly or listens to instructions.
• Create a routine for meals and occasional treats so she knows what to expect.
• Coordinate with her teacher so both home and school follow similar boundaries.
Health Tips
Try to stay calm during tantrums and avoid long explanations when she is crying, as young children usually cannot process reasoning at that moment. Instead, address the behavior once she has calmed down. If the behavior becomes very intense or starts affecting her daily functioning significantly, consulting a child psychologist for guidance can be helpful.
Answered
Flag this answer
Let others know if this answer was helpful
Was this answer helpful?
YES
NO
At this age, children often develop strong preferences for sweets and may show demanding behaviour when limits are set. This does not necessarily mean something is wrong, but it may indicate a need for consistent boundaries and behaviour guidance.
Try to set clear rules about when sweets can be given (for example, only after meals or on specific days) and avoid giving candies when she cries, as this can reinforce the behaviour. Encourage healthy snacks and gently redirect her attention to other activities.
If the behaviour continues or becomes difficult to manage, consulting a child psychologist for behaviour management guidance can be helpful.
Next Steps
Reinforce positive behaviour with praise or small rewards.
Health Tips
Appreciate her when she follows rules.
Answered
Flag this answer
Let others know if this answer was helpful
Was this answer helpful?
YES
NO
This is behaviour issue take behaviour therapy she will be fine
Answered
Flag this answer
Let others know if this answer was helpful
Was this answer helpful?
YES
NO
Consultation with me is advised
Answered
Flag this answer
Let others know if this answer was helpful
Was this answer helpful?
YES
NO
Hi, nothing is “wrong” with her.
She is 3.
At this age, the brain is driven by impulse, curiosity, and immediate desire. Self-control is still under construction. When she sees candy or someone else’s food, her brain says: “I want that now.” She doesn’t yet have the wiring to pause, regulate, and accept “no.”
The crying is not manipulation.
It’s frustration without skills.
The more emotional the reaction she gets explaining, scolding, negotiating the more the behavior repeats. Not because she’s bad. Because attention reinforces it.
Consistency is everything. If sometimes she gets the second candy after crying, her brain learns: cry harder next time.
About looking at others’ plates that’s normal comparison curiosity. You can calmly say, “This is yours. That is theirs.” No shame. No drama.
If she ignores you, get at eye level, touch gently, make her repeat the instruction. Short sentences. Clear tone.
Also check gently:
Has there been any recent change? School adjustment, new routine, less one-on-one time, new sibling, stress at home? At this age, behavior shifts often reflect transitions.
Next Steps
Stay calm and brief.
“No. One candy only.”
If she cries, don’t argue. Don’t lecture. Stay neutral. When the crying stops, give attention again.
Most important: don’t take it personally.
She is not becoming “bad.”
She is testing boundaries to feel secure.
Health Tips
Right now she needs:
Predictable rules
Less emotional reaction
More positive attention when she behaves well
Catch her being good. Praise specifically:
“I like how you waited.”
“That was calm.”
This phase is common. It passes when handled steadily.
Answered
Flag this answer
1/1 people found this helpful
Was this answer helpful?
YES
NO
Hi, this is a common phenomena for the children of this age. Because they have started gaining interest, cururiosity, autonomy etc according to theories of development. For other queries like crying for not getting candies, asking for candies all the times, ignoring your words need professional intervention. Nothing to worry, just you and your child, both need to improvise the communication style. Also, a thorough check on her seeker or receiver attitude is required.
Please reach out to a psychologist and discuss in detail.
Answered
Flag this answer
1/1 people found this helpful
Was this answer helpful?
YES
NO
Hi
Next Steps
hi
Health Tips
session wise intervention
Answered
Flag this answer
1/1 people found this helpful
Was this answer helpful?
YES
NO
Hi, Consult with a pediatrician
Answered
Flag this answer
1/1 people found this helpful
Was this answer helpful?
YES
NO
From what you’ve shared, your main concern is your 3.3-year-old daughter’s recent behavioural changes , frequent crying, difficulty accepting “no,” excessive demand for candies, focusing on others’ food, and not listening when spoken to.
It would be helpful to understand this in detail through a proper discussion. You can book an appointment with us so we can guide you with the right strategies.
Answered
Flag this answer
1/1 people found this helpful
Was this answer helpful?
YES
NO
Ms. Sheetal Kusumbe
Counselling Psychologist
21 yrs exp
Thane
Hello,
Thankyou for sharing your concern here.
You stress as a mother over your daughter's changed behavioural pattern is understandable.
Your daughter is in the development stage where negative emotions or disciplinary actions can lead to tantrums such as ignoring, crying and repeating the action.
You can observe her further with the triggers.
Few things that can help the situation:-
- Inculcating a good relationship with food itself by speaking about the benefits of balanced eating.
- The concept of the joy of sharing and caring.
- Reinforcing new healthy alternatives to the candies.
- Encouraging good behaviour by praising her for the things she is doing well.
- Disclipine through actions by gradually reducing the candies and introducing good manners relating to eating habits.
- Teaming with the Teacher for positive reinforcement.
I wish you happy parenting and all the best.
You can consult for further professional guidance.
Happy Healthy Living!
Answered
Flag this answer
1/1 people found this helpful
Was this answer helpful?
YES
NO
Ms. Smriti
Counselling Psychologist
18 yrs exp
Bangalore
Connect with psychologist
Next Steps
connect
Health Tips
consult
Answered
Flag this answer
1/1 people found this helpful
Was this answer helpful?
YES
NO
Articles you may like
Disclaimer : The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding your medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.
The question asked on this page is a free question. You can ask a free health question by downloading the Practo app.
Articles you may like
Tell us what's troubling you
Tell us what's troubling you
Disclaimer : The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding your medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.