So I guess that title is a bit of an exaggeration. Maybe. Take a look at this face and guess what (or who) is causing me fits.
I don't know what to do. From morning to bedtime he is whining, screaming, hitting, running, messing, tantrum throwing, and totally not minding one little bit. I have said if I punished him appropriately every time he did something, he would never come out of his room. Not really exaggerating here. He is a little terror and not often pleasant to be around. I love my little boy, but by the end of the day, I sometimes can barely stand the sight of him. I even took him in to the Dr. to say, "What is wrong with him??" Basically I found out what I already knew--he is what they call a "spirited"child.
I need help. Or a vacation. Or maybe a stay in the mental hospital. Any ideas out there?
16 comments:
Oh, but that FACE! How could you NOT love that face?! I'm sorry. Dream of a padded room where you get regular meals and visitors. Then wake up to your reality and kiss your kids. You know you want to. :)
Found your blog from Mary's... it's cute. And so are your kids!
P.S. Oh--what IS the movie?
I forgot to write that the movie is from one of my all time favorites--Overboard with Goldie Hawn and Kurt Russell. :)
I feel your pain. Ok mine comes in the form of mischievious Sophie. Sydney was NEVER even close to as naughty as Sophie. I am growing patience (rather painfully I might add) from her. I guess maybe we will look back one day and miss them being little and have mommy brain block about all the hard stuff :)
Well, I won't give any advice... but just hang in there!
We told cy that if he could stay NOT grounded we would get him his own mp3 player soon but we'll see when that happens :) He's usually grounded at least once a week.
let me know the answer - i could use it too. and in the meantime i wish you luck.
Isaiah is my terror so I decided to pray about what to do. I just had the thought that I should pay extra attention to him, ignore the tantrums, and when he acts up toward someone or something, I turn it into a joke or distract him with something funny and when hes good I clap and praise every moment I can. now, though he still has his moments, he is easier to handle. Music helps him. Putting on music or singing.
Isaac was always good for us in Nursery, but he had Max to play rough with. He actually sounds like he being a typical 2 1/2 year old boy. Does he get to go play with other boys very often. Maybe play dates away from his sisters would help.
Did this extreme behavior start before or after Finley was born? Maybe a date alone with Mommy & Daddy to do something just for him occasionally would also help.
I agree with Krystal, lots of positive reinforcement for the good things he does.
My youngest brother had tantrums when he was little, the Dr's advice was to walk away and let him kick and scream, even in the store (not too far away, just so he can't see you.) If he doesn't get attention for the bad behavior, he'll stop eventually.
Maybe it has something to do with being child #2. Jordan was an easy toddler. Alexa, mmmm, not so much. She would drive me to drink, if I was a drinking woman that is. LOL! I identify with alot of what you said in your post. You're not alone. I am way more frustrated with my second as a toddler than I was with my first.
Is he foaming at the mouth in that picture? Sounds like he and Zane would raise H-E-double-hockey-sticks if left alone together. Good luck!
I have days like this too! It seems like some days Joben spends a lot of time in time out, gets a swat or two on the bum (for leaving time out) and he is still a terror! I sometimes feel like ripping my hair out and screaming! I know what people mean by the "terrible twos" now! Feel free to call me if you ever need a sympathetic ear.
I've had many many days like that. I'm sorry life is getting you down. It does get better though it really does.
One thing that helped me while I was in the worst of it was locks. Locks on doors, cabinets, toilets, closets everything I could lock I did. It was annoying for adults but it saved me from truly dangerous situations.
Also making sure they sleep enough and letting them snack all day helped. My kids at that age would eat tiny meals sometimes only 2-3 bites of something and then be OFF running and getting into stuff. A hour later it would be meltdown time. I finally figured out that it was often because they were hungry.
Two is a hard age they are literally torn between being babies and big kids. The world around them is expanding like crazy and they just get over loaded, over stimulated, and explode.
I've found that cutting back on toys and having less options actually helps. Put away (but don't let him see where) all but 5-6 toys. Then rotate them every other week. The toys stay fresh and fun and there is much less mess and no over load.
Also talk to him ask him blue cup or red? Pants on first or shirt on first? Choices and feeling like they have some power is often really helpful at this age. If he just screams then you say "if you don't choose I choose". You will get a few rounds of tantrums most likely but pretty soon he will learn. If you let him choose 90% of the time on things that don't really matter the few times you have to be in charge will be smoother. Not totally perfect but better. The key is giving 2 choices that are both fine with you but make him feel like he is getting things how he wants them.
Wow there is some great advice out there from your friends! I think Primarymary had some good ideas about letting him play with other boys sometimes, with no sisters around. How you can do that, I don't know, but I think it would be good. You know I just have a soft spot for the little bugger, so I say just love him. He'll grow out of this stage soon enough, I promise.
I like what your friend Heather said about the decision-making. I do that a lot with my kids. I've noticed that a lot of moms just ask their kids what they want & the kid either really doesn't know or can't articulate what they want. Having a couple clear options laid out before them really makes them feel like they're making the decisions, but you're controlling the options. :)
Oh yes... I know how you are feeling!! I have some "spirited" children as well! :) Garrett is finally starting to out grow it (sorta). Carson is still in the thick of it. But seeing that Garrett is getting better gives me hope!! Isaac might be young still but something that works for my boys is positive reinforcement. I found that I was always getting after them for everything "bad" they were doing and never praising them for any good. And there are days where I have to search hard for any "good" but the more I praise them it seems like sometimes the better they are. Hang in there, this too shall pass! :)
I wish I had this parenting thing figured out and had all the answers....but I don't. Just love him and try to hang in there.
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