I have had enough. Can anyone please shed me a little light as to why my 3 year old would cry every time he wakes up from a nap or in the morning. It's driving me nuts!!! Maybe it's just him. Does anyone else go through this every day? I dont believe he is having nighmares. His bed is really comfy. Just have know idea.

Sorry can't help you. We were lucky enough that our DD (now 10) woke up happy and laughing each day. But we recently had three 2 year olds staying with us (all cousins of each other) and every day for 2 weeks all three of them woke up crying and miserable. DH and I still look like this ! I hope your little one grows out of it soon.

ETA a few missing words.

My 4YO always woke up grumpy from a 2-3 hour sleep at the ages of 2-3. He grew out of it. As an adult I usually feel rotten after waking up from a 1-2 hour afternoon nap (not that I've had any since having kids!). My guess is it's their body clock adjusting from a long sleep to the fact it's still daytime.

DS does this too all the time! It can take an hour to an hour and a half to get him completely settled! I have no idea as to why he does it and it sends me nuts! He had his first day at family daycare today and sure enough he went really well, right up until he woke up from his nap! The carer rung me with a very upset little boy!

My DD3 does this from time to time, and it's a sure sign she hasn't slept well. It can take 15-30mins to settle her down and get her happy and cooperative character back.

My 2.8 year old is currently doing this too, not everyday but some sleeps she wakes up and screams hysterically if anyone comes near her, especially her little sister. Lasts about 15 minutes and then shes ok.

Hi there!
My understanding is that they are still tired and need more sleep. If he is already taking a long day sleep, like 2 hours + then he needs more sleep at night (needs to get to bed earlier). My DD (18 m) is a classic with this. When she wakes up crying I resettle her, though probably impossible with a 3 year old (my son is almost 3 too and once he's up thats it), then she'll sleep a bit longer and wake up happy as larry. I think the trick is to make sure they are getting enough sleep overnight so they are not overtired during the day (around 12 hours for a 3 year old). So at least 10 overnight and a two hour nap during the day. My DS sleeps about 10.5 hours overnight (anything less and he is grumpy all morning) and has about a 1.5 hour nap during the day.
Hope this helps a little.
Susan

DS doesn't do this every time but usually it's because he has slept really deeply and woken with a start. But it's only occasionally.

OP, it may be a case of trial and error. If it's happening every time then talking with your GP or Pead about the different options available to you.

It sounds as though a total re-think of his sleeping routine, or an examination of his sleep behaviour, is in order.

Ours only wake up screaming/crying if they haven't had enough sleep or if I wake them up (like, before they wake up themselves naturally - not because they see me ... I hope).

Is he getting at least 10-12hrs sleep over night? Are you having to wake him up?