Looking for Some One That Knows How to Stop Kids from Throwing a Fit

I'm thinking that they're not "ready" to go to bed because their naptime is a little late in the day. I would suggest making their naptime right after lunch. I would also suggest limiting their naptime to no more than 1 1/2 hours. That way they'll be tired again after dinner and baths. I've found that bathing my kids just before bed helps them relax and they fall asleep more easily.

As far as the temper tantrums go... the best thing is to NOT GIVE IN. Once you start giving in, it teaches them that throwing a fit is how to get what they want. Do not reward a tantrum. I know it's so hard to listen to it. My six-year-old still screams and kicks and cries and if we're in the car, it's nearly unbearable. Also, do not lose your temper with them when they throw a fit. It's still attention (even though it's "bad" attention) and kids CRAVE attention in any form. If you stand firm and don't give in and don't freak out, then eventually your kids will get the message that they're not going to get what they want by behaving this way.

It's kind of an unwritten law that grandparents spoil their grandkids. It's like their JOB. I believe that it's fine as long as they aren't UNDERMINING your authority with your children. You and your husband should have the final say when it comes to your kids.

A.,
Sorry thing are so rough. It seems you are very overwelmed and might need extra help. Does your town have parenting classes? This would let you meet other moms who are also having a hard time and you will get some great ideas on how to defuse tantrums. It will be hard work for everyone in your house hold but I believe you can make some changes and the girls will respond. Good luck

Hey Girl let me share what has worked for me. When my oldest use to throw fist I would ignore it, as if nothing was different. Sometime it was very dificult special a the market, but i would grad him put him in the car keep going. Being consistant is the most difficult thing to do!!!! But once they see that throwing a fit doese'nt get there way they'll stop. At five they should know how to use there words and I know they get very upset when they dont get there way, somethings can be negotiated but some things one need to stand firm. Pick your battles!!!! The not sleeping through the night sound like something your pediatrition could give you a better advise on it could be like you said, a sleeping disorder that need medical attenntion good luck wish me luck as well I have a almost 2 yr old no fits yet but Im sure its coming soon!

First I want to tell you my son will be 2 on the 23rd that's cool. anyway.
I think you need to sit down with your oldest and explain to her what slealing is. and what happens to you if you sleal from stores. Mine is gonna be 4 in march and she understands what I'm talking about. Put fear in her. It's not a bad thng to do that at all. then explain to her how it makes you feel when she steals from you. tell her that its very disrespectful and get that word in her head soon so she knows it later.
I know for a fact that the youngest is only doing what the eldest is doing and if you punish the youngest first the oler one will think well I'm the princess thats why you got in truble first. If you punish the older one first the younger one will learn that you get in trubble for these things. maybe it will stop the copying.
Now the sleeping thing this is big your 4 year old is too old for naps! that's it. no more naps and she will sleep all night. it will be annoying for the first week or so because of the crankyness, but she'll get herself so tired during the day that bed time will be something to look forward to. OH and who told you it's not good to sleep with them? this is not like putting them in the middle of the street during rush hour traffic. My kids have been sleeping in my bed since they were born. they grow out of it and eventually want there own space. You do what YOU feel is best with sleeping. there YOUR KIDS. If we always listen to other people when they say we should'nt do things no one would ever learn for themselves. Also If you think she does not sleep because she does not have to mabye that should be cheacked out. she might just be at a stage in her life where she is'nt growing so she does not need much sleep. Did anyone tell you you get to sleep when your a mom? LOL
good luck!!

I learned recently that consistancy is the best policy. Get a good schedule set up and stick with it. I know how crazy kids tantrems can make you feel. Positive reinforcement workd the best. They learn early how to push your buttons and will do so just to get a reaction. Four is not to young to take naps, they just need to be earlier in the day. Be firm. Don't give in. Tell them that getting things without permission is against the rules. It's going to be rough at first, but if you stick to your guns and be consistant, they'll learn not to do the bad behavior.

I know things can feel overwhelming at times. Is there a way for you to take a break from your kids once a week for like an hour. Not when you have errands. That defeats the purpose. Just having an hour to yourself can save your sanity. I go to the local library. It's quiet and a good place to relax.

Your husband needs to help out and so do your parents. They want to spoil the kids but they can do that without compromising your own rules of behavior. If something is wrong one day, it's still wrong the next day.

GOOD LUCK!!!!! Let me know how it works out.

Hello A.. Your situation sounds very frustrating and I can only imagine what it must be like. One thing that i noticed about your schedule that could be problematic is the late nap. I have a 19 month old and he takes one 2-3 hour nap every day, but my pediatrician discouraged having their naps too late in the day as this makes it harder for them to sleep at night. If your children are not napping until 4 and waking at 5:30, chances are they are not tired by 8 since their nap was late. Something to try may be having them nap earlier in the day (maybe 12-1:30, 1-2:30, etc.) so that they get their nap, but so they have enough of the day left to get them good and tired so that they welcome sleep in the evening. Also, if you have a hard time getting them down for a nap, it could be because they are so overtired by the time that nap time rolls around that they can't sleep. I know how I feel when I am so tired and can't fall asleep.

Just a few observations/suggestions that I have learned over time. Good luck to you and I wish you the very best in getting this resolved.

It was suggested to me a long time ago... no naps after 4:30pm. And that naps or sleeping times should be around 6 hours apart. So, if they wake up around 5 or 6am, then start their nap anywhere from noon till around 2:30pm, they can sleep a couple of hours at least until 4pm. So, the evening ends up looking like this: if they wake up early due to falling asleep at the early start time (ex: noon to 2 or 2:30pm) then they should be ready to sleep again around 6 hours later... that puts them @ 8:30pm (an exceptional night). If they start nap during the later start time and sleep right up to 4pm... that puts them @ 9:30 / 10pm.

That old fashioned wives tale about "bed by 8pm" no matter what.. is a crock in my book. I just don't buy it. The behavior of kids will tell the truth about that one. And the expectations from parents getting blown out of the water will tell the truth too.

So, I hope that this rule of thumb about the 6 hour stretches between sleep/nap times helps. You might need to adjust you expectations.

I do daily... schedules get messed up.

Today, the 16 mo old baby slept through the night (a miracle as of late) in her own bed -alone- without me. But, because of I needed to do a trip to the HS she ended up falling asleep early around 10am for her nap time and only slept for about 45 minutes. Now, she's short of temper... and awake which makes it difficult for my 3 year old to deal with my requirement for Him taking a nap when she's still wandering about. It's difficult but, he needs his naps or else we all suffer the violence. So, he's going down a little late, infact just after I'm off the computer here. It's 2:30pm now. But, you better believe it... he's going to get woken up at 4pm. Because I don't want to be up late as we wake around 5:30am pretty regularly these days.

If the long days tire you -take a nap when they do if the miracle happens that they end up both on exactly the same schedule for a day.