**At three, start with one specific action and a reward that follows soon afterward.** “Behave well for a while” asks him to understand an unclear time period, remember several rules, and control his impulses throughout it. That is a demanding starting point. The CDC recommends simple, achievable behaviors and immediate rewards for toddlers and preschoolers. [CDC guidance](https://www.cdc.gov/parenting-toddlers/responding-to-behavior/using-rewards.html)

Your observation about the catch-22 is useful: he needs to see exactly how he can succeed.

Try this approach:

- **Set the rule beforehand:** “First put the blocks in the box, then we can watch one episode.”
- **Make the task manageable:** “You put these three blocks away; I’ll help with the others.”
- **When he says, “I’ll behave,” give him the next action:** “You can start now. These blocks go in the box.”
- **Follow through when he finishes:** “You put the blocks away. Now it’s time for your show.”

That gives him practice earning something through an action. Avoid adding new requirements once he has completed the agreed task. If you use stickers, give each sticker immediately and let him keep earned stickers even after a later difficult moment. [CDC reward guidance](https://www.cdc.gov/parenting-toddlers/responding-to-behavior/using-rewards.html)

**Practice waiting separately, in tiny steps.** When he is calm, try: “I’ll blow more bubbles after we count to five.” Help him count, then deliver. As that becomes easy, gradually lengthen the wait. The exact starting time should fit what he can already manage; repeated successes give you something to build on.

For frustration, teach an action he can use: “Say ‘Help, please,’” or “Come get me when it’s hard.” Notice attempts: “You were frustrated and asked me for help.” Expect him to need reminders and help calming down.

During a tantrum, keep your words brief:

> “You really want the show. First the blocks go away. I’m here to help.”

Keep the limit steady, allow disappointment, and stop hitting or other unsafe behavior. Save explanations for when he is calm. Tantrums are common at this age, and calm, consistent responses help. [American Academy of Pediatrics guidance](https://www.healthychildren.org/English/family-life/family-dynamics/communication-discipline/Pages/Temper-Tantrums.aspx)

For now, I would drop “good behavior over a period of time” as the condition for television. Give him frequent, clear opportunities to complete a small task, experience success, and try again after a difficult moment.