I never had any problems with my oldest and my youngest really pushes me to the limit at times.
He doesn't like getting in the highchair to eat or stroller and at times carseat but will get in at his own time he has become the wildchild especially when he comes back from dad's house. He goes crazy by doing things he knows he should not do, opening cabinets, doors, getting the trash, screaming at the top of his lungs, running all over the place like a crazy wild child. He has also not been wanting to eat breakfast but just a few bites. any ideas how to keep my sanity and how to discipline him or should I just ignore the tantrums and screaming also any ideas about breakfast?
I don't believe that spankings is the answer.
I took him out of the house yesterday and that seemed to help but I want to know what other options is there.
Thanks in advance.
Check out Happiest Toddler on the block. There is a book and a DVD out.
It sounds like he's really trying to push his limits and trying to show his independance, he just doesn't know how to go about doing it! This is a frustrating age for children because they have lots of feelings and opinions, they're just not quite sure how to communicate them.
I agree that you should try using a booster seat that attaches to the chair, this will help him feel more like a big boy and part of the rest of the family. Also, when children are around the age 2, they become picky eaters and don't always finish their meals. This is partly because their taste buds could be changing, they're trying to show independance, and quite simply because they have slowed down in growth and just don't need to eat as much right now. This happened with my almost 4 yr old and is happening now with my almost two year old. My pediatrician told me this is totally normal for two year olds, and not to turn meal time into a battle. This will only associate negative feelings about meal times.
I don't believe spanking is the answer either, it will just teach him to hit you or someone else when they do something he doesn't like. At this age the only thing you can really do is redirection. I did start putting my son in time out when he turned two and it really seemed to help him calm down when he threw the big tantrums. He was more mellow though than my second, that's another thing you gotta take into consideration too, each child is different with their own unique personalities. My 23mth old is more sensitive and is more likely to throw tantrums, when it gets to where he's screaming or hitting because he's mad, I will put him in time out and I'll come and get him when he's calm and give him a big hug. Try to focus your attention on him a lot when he is being good and being sweet. This will teach him that he will get more positive attention when he's being good and will want to get that kind of attention more.
Check out this article on babycenter.com. It talks about tantrums that two year olds throw, why they do it and how to handle it. There are tons of useful articles on there and it has become my #1 resource! Good luck, this time will pass...
http://parentcenter.babycenter.com/refcap/preschooler/pbe...
Have you ever heard of Early Childhood Intervention? Sometimes they can help give you ideas to help children learn about coping and changes. You can call 800-628-5115 to find a program in your area.
J.
I also never had any issues with my older child I could say baby don't touch that and she wouldn't even look at it again for months. My son on the other hands knows where my buttons are and doesn't forget. He started with the temper tantrum at 18 months and although I believe in spanking I also believe it doesn't work for every child or in every situation. We never spanked for tantrum, but we also do not tolerate them.
When he started at 18 months I would walk to him tell him very calmly what he was doing was not acceptable and tell him what was acceptable, and yes I used the work acceptable. If he started the downward spiral to full fledge fit I would sit down put him in my lap and wrap him in my arms so that he could not his or hurt me. While I was holding him I would tell him to just breathe and would take deep breaths in and out to help him. It was a very long, slow process and although he is still extremely active the temper is mostly under control.
At 2 1/2 when he starts to get mad I tell him 'It is okay to be mad, it is not okay to yell/scream/hit/bite whatever the issue is' Then I tell him to breathe and use his words. It is much better these days although I will say also on the rare occasion when he throws himself on the floor and starts yelling I have laughed, which ususally make him laugh. Maybe that is not the best, but the first time he did it it was just too funny. I couldn't believe that a child could actually do that so I laughed.
Remember this to shall pass.
