Mom Want Some Advice About My Two Year Old

There's a book called Making the Terrible Twos Terrific, which is fabulous and explains why they act the way they do and how to get in control, lovingly. It is by John Rosemond, who also has a newspaper column - www.rosemond.com. You can also find the book on www.amazon.com. I highly recommend it!

Hello P.,
Your youngest sounds like a typical 2 year old, you just probably had more energy to keep up with your oldest ones 20 year ago.If financially possible you might want to put her in gymnastics or dance class so she can run some energy out.Going outside to the park and such will require alot of running after her so I do not know if you're up to that.I do agree that a lot of sugar can make some kids very wild, so you might want to look into that.

I know you are so proud of your little girl. She is living in an adult world and I am sure, like any of us, everyone caters to her every whim. I would do the same. Having a baby after all these years has to be a challenge. Step back and look at the way she is treated. She probably thinks she is the princess and all of you have to do as she wants. Set rules and bounderies and slack off on some of the play time. Give her structured playtime and quiet time. I know this is hard but hang in there it is just the terrible twos and it will pass! Good luck!

Hi P. :o)
My little girl is full of energy too!! I try to take her out all the time. I take her to places where she can run around and have fun. Then, to calm her out, I put in a good movie that she likes. It NORMALLY makes her sit still for quite a while. Give it a try :o) OH.......she also drinks NO carbonated drinks AT ALL! She only drinks tea every once in a while and Hi-C at McDonalds. Most of the day, it is water ot Tropicana Sugar free arange aide. Try those too!! GREAT taste with ZERO sugar :o)

Dear P., I find that a lot of outside play and long walks calm my baby down. Even if you have to push a stroller or pull a wagon, the outside play seems use up a lot of energy. Maybe you could try Mommy and Me.

My child is the same way and has been that way since she was born. GO! GO! GO! We find the only way to calm her down is constant activity. You basically have an only child as do I. She is always looking to us for entertainment (UGH!!!!) I run out of things to do and sometimes wish I could run away and hide for a few minutes(or hours). Here is a list of things I do for my hyper child.
1) Outside time is the best. I bought her a swing set and filled it with chalk, a kitchen, bikes and every other thing I could think of. If money is a problem toys r us has great inexpensive options.
2) If I need to get things done on the weekends I give her a daytime bath and let her stay in there as long as she wants I just keep putting hot water in the tub. (My child is almost 5 and can stay in the tub alone now as long as I am on the same level of the house). If you can't do that at least you can rest and read in the bathroom.
3)I bought her the Bella Dancerella video with the Ballerina outfit and the dance bar. That usually keeps her busy and active for long enough for me to shower or cook a meal.
4) I also have three huge craft boxes with those foam stickers and things to decorate that usually last about 30 minutes and keeps her focussed. (You can get a lot of that stuff at big lots)
5) I give her "me time". I tell her to go to her room and have me time. She thinks it's something special because we all have our me time in our house. She will go in her room and shut the door somtimes it last for an hour. I started this at age two.
6) I started including her in my cooking an baking at two years old. She really gets into it and my 4 year old can already put together a homade lasagna with little supervision.
7) I take her to our local YMCA for swimming she started lessons at two and is now swimming like a fish.

I hope some of those activities will help you get through what I suspect is a LONG day for you. I work full time and don't think I would make it all day everyday with my VERY active child. Her pre-school program is great and it gives her a chance to be with other children. Mother's day out programs once or twice a week may be great for your child. I think my child gets this from her Daddy. He is like the energizer bunny. He never stops.

I forgot to mention. When things get really bad I like to watch Spounge Bob. Don't tell anyone.

P.,hi. I remember what a wonderful and magical time it was when my daughter was 2 years old. How fortunate you are to have such a lively toddler. I would be greatly concerned if your 2 year old was anything but spirited and energetic.

Having a 2 year old requires your full attention and participation. This is a vital age of exploration and understanding. To attempt to "calm her down" would be in comparison to denying her the freedom to blossom. Her spirit is vulnerable and it is up to you not to alter it.

At 2 years old, we enjoyed making music with an array of instruments and fun keyboards surrounding us. We also loved to paint and bake together. Nature hikes at this age are incredible experiences. The more interaction you have with your 2 year old, particpating in constructive activities, the more you will see her contentment. She might actually sit for a few hours to watch a movie every once in a while!!

The holiday season approaching is a perfect time to focus on activities with your 2 year old. I wish you the best of luck!! And ENJOY her!! She'll be off to college before you know it!!

Have you read James Dobson's book "The Strong Willed Child"? That might help. Also, lots of fresh air and exercise, and NO sugar or food dyes. My second son was just like your daughter; there really was no way to "calm him down", but I was able to help him channel his energy.
Like one of the other moms has said, you are also older and probably more easily tired :) Make her have an afternoon nap or quiet time if you need it. And most of all, have fun and enjoy her!

Welcome to my world. My older children are 19, 16, and 11 and my little one is 3. At first, I thought my little one was more energetic than the other children too. But, then it dawned on me that my little one was really no different than the first three children. It is ME that is different. I am 20 years older now and I do not have the energy that I once had. Relax. It gets better as they get older, just like it did with your first children. The most important thing you can do it take good care of yourself--eat healthy, get enough rest, go to bed earlier than usual, exercise every day, take a multipurpose vitamin every day, have a complete physical every year. The better you take care of yourself the easier it will be to have the energy to chase after that little one. My youngest child is the apple of my eye and we feel very blessed to have him in our lives!

Check out www.feingold.org and get your hyper girl off food dyes and preservatives. Feingold is a 30yr old non-profit organization whose purpose is to inform the public about petroleum-based artificial ingredients in our food supply. These harmful additives cause ADD, ADHD, OCD, and many other emotional, behavioral and physical side effects. It is definately worth a try and your baby will be healthier on an all-natural diet too. Good luck.