Advice - Grovetown,GA

L.:

Welcome to mamapedia!!!

The more attention you give your son/child when he is having his temper tantrums - the more he will do it. When he screams, tell him that is not acceptable behavior and he will NOT get his way when he screams. And STICK to it. Consistency counts.

Get a mommy's helper if you get stuck on bed rest to help deal with your son during the day while your husband is at work. If you can afford it - put him in day care during the day to get him socialized and allow you to rest and take care of yourself.

Understand this - it is true....Ignore his temper tantrums. He does it for attention. The more attention he gets. The more he'll do it. You can tell him to use his BIG BOY words. "I understand you are upset. Mommy cannot help you when you are having a temper tantrum." Don't make it too long. Use the KISS method (Keep it Simple Silly).

I'm not sure what the question is.
EDIT:
I think I see what you're asking now and yes when my first was not even a year old I was having early contractions with my second pregnancy and had to be careful lifting him, etc. I did a lot of sitting on the floor with him while he played, etc. Talked to him when in his seat, etc. Your son is older and into the tantrums you say and I would think some, not all, of that could be that he knows you are having more difficulty taking care of him and so try not to let that keep you from disciplining him. I know it's hard but he's old enough to listen to stories and play by you and if not put him in his bed with some toys. If you could get some help part of the day that would be great. Maybe a teen in the neighborhood or family?

"Back to Basics Discipline" by Janet Campbell Matson. You'll have your older one in line well before baby is born. I have 3 and was home alone for all as toddlers including difficult pregnancies. They were 2 years and 18 months apart. Discipline is everything if you want happiness and peace in your home! I'm not sure how you're "handling" the screaming tantrums, but I highly recommend nipping them completely (details in book). It takes no time before age two if you are firm and clear, but gets MUCH HARDER later.

Rest when you can (when your son naps for instance).

If someone offers help, take it.

Ask for help.

You have about 4 months or so to "prep" your son.
"Talk up" how exciting it will be to have a sibling.
Btw, buy a present for your son for when baby comes home. Something fun for being his big brother. On top of that buy or make w/iron-on's a shirt that says "Awesome Big Brother" etc.

Buying him a present for when sibling comes home helps w/the "new addition" that comes home with you from the hospital.

His temper tantrums most likely are not the "terrible two stage". It's most likely something else: teething problems, maybe since you're not feeling well you're not as "active" with him or as "present" for him. Not your fault, just a natural occurrence w/a 2nd child coming.

Once the baby gets here & is about 6 mos old, try having a "mom/son" day out. It will help. The park, an indoor playground etc.

Is he having trouble communicating? Lots of times kids that age have the words in their heads but their mouths won't cooperate. Maybe baby sign language can help bridge the gap and cool the tantrums a bit.

Also check out Love and Logic. Kiddos that age are wanting to be more "independent" and make choices. They have control over NOTHING and it's very tough for them. Give him chances to make choices for as many of the non-important (to you) things - like what to wear, what to do first, picking 1 of 2 snacks, etc. Anything where you CAN give him a choice, do it. He'll feel more in control and may help him be less upset.