Lately I have zero patience with my 3 year old. The day starts off fine but then the little battles (not listening, ignoring me when I call her name, whining/crying if she doesn't get to do something RIGHT NOW) keep piling up and I lose it. I also feel like I am constantly scolding/lecturing her- it's not fun being mean mom! But since we are also going through a selfish/attitude phase, I feel like I can't just let things go.

Any advice on how to stop being *that* mom? How do you keep your temper in check?

(Today started off with her digging her hands into the sand and whipping it all over her 7 month old brother.)