Toddler Toddler Behavior - Austin, TX

Maybe he's overtired when throws his tantrums. If he's not taking a nap in the morning then maybe he still needs one or some quiet time alone. Also, he may need more sleep at night. You might try putting him to bed 30 min earlier than usual and see if it helps. Don't worry that he'll wake up earlier, he probably won't. I've read this suggestion in several books and articles while searching for answers with my own children. About the crawling, I wouldn't make a big deal out of it. My two-year old goes through phases where she wants to crawl like her little brother. It's just a different way of getting around. As long as he still walks too, I'd let him be. Good luck.

Dear J.,
I wouldn't worry about this at all. Your son may be a toddler, but really he is just a baby. He has already mastered walking, but think about all the neat things to see when your exploring on your hands and knees! He is just having fun. I would be worried if he weren't doing anything at all but just laying down or slumping against something.
As far as the temper tantrums are concerned, they are very natural too! My son just performed one yesterday evening that he hadn't done in about a year, and he is soon to be 4!
He could also be sensing your fear and frustration about his crawling. Just relax and encourage him to walk, but don't critize his crawling. Offer him a toy or a surprise, but he can't have it unless he walks to you to get it.
If you have any more concerns about this, just talk to his pediatrician. Sounds like you are just a wonderful Mommy!

Good Luck,
J.

Hi J.,
I wouldn't panic. I think we went thru a little regression here and there and it passed with time. With the fits, I just remained calm and spoke in a quiet voice. If you can, keep a record of his behavior so you can determine what's causing the tantrums. I have a child that reacts to food dye and preservatives with bizarre outbursts. It wouldn't hurt to avoid these food additives and see if his behavior changes. Also if the regression doesn't pass, then do check with your pedi and take along the record you've kept of his behavior.

Oh, and you're not alone, my boys save all of their wayward anger and frustration for their beloved mother. I think it's because they feel so comfortable with us. ;)

Terrible two's does start now! Read the book The Happiest Toddler on the Block. It basically teaches you that your child will throw a tantrum because they don't have the verbal skills or self control to tell you, so you give them the words or talk for them during a tantrum. It's amazing how it works! It still works for my 3 yr old who has a very high verbal capacity, but sometimes not the self control. Also, let him crawl. My 3 yr old crawls sometimes when he plays. He will not forget how to walk, but like someone else said, crawling is very important for brain development. You are doing a great job!

Please don't stop him from crawling...my mother is an early head start teacher to kids that need a little "extra help" early in life. MANY of her children didn't learn to crawl or didn't crawl long enough and have to do crawling exercises daily, crawling develops your brain and teaches both sides to work together while working at the same time. Let your son crawl anytime he wants....besides, the more you bring it to his attention by talking about it or putting him in his crib, the more he will do it just to agrivate you. Save your punishments or scoldings for defiant behavior, not for anything developmental. :)

That is completely normal behavior. It would be strange if he wasn't doing it. Just make sure he's safe where he is and then ignore it. The more you try to talk him out of it or make a big deal, the longer it lasts. Letting him blow off steam is fine. A baby shouldn't be "punished" for normal developmental behavior. I wouldn't worry about him crawling unless he stopped being able to walk when he wanted to. Maybe he's learning something new now, like talking, and he just feels like focusing on that. Crawling can be fun.

I dont really think its anything to worry about unless he is acting like it hurts him to walk, wont hurt to have him checked out.
As for tantrums, my son started to change around 18 months (this time was worse than when he turned 2 haha) and it was like 'what happened to my good little boy?' haha. Its just a stage eventually they grow out of it but you need to find a good way to handle the tantrums so that he doesnt think its a good way to act all the time. Now I am going through it with my second son and he is almost 20 months old haha, they all go through it at different times I think. Its tough, but you will get through it!

Hi J.,
It sounds like you son is frustrated with being told not to crawl. Crawling is an important part of bilateral brain development. This stage is required for proper right left differentiation, reading and several other functions.
Please follow his lead in this area, he know what he needs for proper brain function.
Take care,
R.
Mom of Ben 16 and Daniel 12
PS You might also check out www.alfiekohn.com
He has some interesting ideas and books about parenting.

My daughter is 2 years old, and she still gets on the floor and crawls around. She just finds it amusing and fun at times. Of course, it is normal for them to do this, especially since they play on the floor. What makes it worse for her sometimes is that with her baby brother crawling and learning to pull up and what not, it makes her want to do the same as if she's trying to copy him or teach him. It's nothing to worry about though, I asked the pediatrician about it when my daughter first started doing this back in June 2006, when I was pregnant with my son. They told me it's nothing to be concerned about, it is normal.

In case your doctor hasn't told you, you can relax. Children will learn new tasks and behaviors and then seemingly forget them for a time. Remember that they are learning 75% or more of everything they'll ever learn in the first three years! As they conquer new things, the brain will compartmentalize them and move to a new behavior or task. Right now Ethan has conquered some huge steps and will now start to learn more social/emotional behaviors and his environment is the teacher. He can't tell you "I want to test my anger/reaction skills right now" so it is manifested in the form of an emotional outburst. Patience, positive reinforcement and consistancy are the keys to toddlers. If you're not already involved in a play group, now would be a good time for "out-of-the-home" social interactions as well. Good luck!

Hi J.,

Is it possible your son has an ear infection? That could explain the tantrums, and with otitis media he may be experiencing some dizziness or balance problems.

Just throwing that out there. Hope you find out what's up with your little man.

I think that sometimes once they learn to walk, when they want to get to something fast, before they are very experienced walkers, they will crawl. My son did this also. But soon after stopped once he got really good at walking.