DS out of control

[dawz1026]

We just returned from a busy hot and humid WDW.DS 22 months was not behaving and all he wanted was dh the whole trip! He would scream if dh tried to use a restroom! We really want to try again in Dec.when the crowds are light (1st week or so) but I am too scared it will be a rerun.Anyone else have these problems?

 

[DVCsince02]

Sounds like a normal vacation to me... LOL.

JK-It's the age, heat, and just being tired. Go ahead an plan another one, just go a bit slower.

 

[monorailsilver]

Aww...that is a shame.

My fingers are crossed for you if you go in December.

I have been thankful so far with the 2 trips I have taken with kids.

I can only hope my trip this summer will be just as uneventful.

Did you plan down time? no parks every few days, return to room for mid-day naps, etc...

 

[nessz79]

The first trip we took was when our son was about 22 months also. It was difficult and I really didn't find it very enjoyable. He couldn't sit at the meals...we basically had to rush through every meal. Then, on the 3rd day he became terribly ill and we had to leave 1 day early.

We went back about a year later and it was a completely different trip. So I think it's the age and it just depends on when your son outgrows it.

December should be better b/c of the weather and crowds.

What I did the 2nd trip that I think made things so much better is much lower expectations. I didn't worry about seeing a certain # of rides or even which kinds of rides. I just wanted to soak in the Disney atmosphere. Well, we wound up being able to ride tons of things and the boys really enjoyed themselves making it such a great trip since I was expecting so little.

 

[abcboys]

Sounds like a normal child. I keep reading all these threads that people have taken with small children and about how WONDERFUL it was. We are getting reading to go with a 2 year old on a first disney trip and we won't have another for several more years. Yours sounds like what I am afraid it will REALLY be like.

 

[mick0613]

I am at WDW right now with an almost 3yr old that is acting horrible as of now I dont think we will come back til she is a teenager

 

[momofpirates]

If you think she is bad now, wait until she's a teenager

Just kidding...

I found that all three of my children went through a short period of wanting the other parent. I think a December trip will be much different. And like the PP suggested, just slow down and reduce your expectations. All will be fun. It's what you make of it!

 

[sk!mom]

Kids that age change so quickly- December will likely be entirely different.

I found that my two were at their most difficult around 18 months until about 2 and a half. By three my kids were so easy to deal with.

Two year olds are irrational and cannot be reasoned with.- Guess they don't call it the terrible twos for nothing.

 

[o2bacelt]

Definitely adjust your expectation level. We took DD (now almost 4) to Disney for her first trip at 21 months, she was fabulous that trip for the most part, she was overstimulated a couple of times but really very good. Since then we've been three more times and each one has been completely different, we're getting ready to go again in a few weeks. We now know that we need to spend a little time in a park the day we arrive so that she gets acclimated before doing a full morning in the parks. It helps her get ready. The first night we may do dinner in a park but we'll usually go to DtD after an afternoon in a park. Just gives her a chance to get used to everything again. We also make sure we schedule down time every day, otherwise it gets to be way too much for her.

I'm sure you're next trip will be better.

 

[Rylee]

We just returned from a busy hot and humid WDW.DS 22 months was not behaving and all he wanted was dh the whole trip! He would scream if dh tried to use a restroom! We really want to try again in Dec.when the crowds are light (1st week or so) but I am too scared it will be a rerun.Anyone else have these problems?

Every child is different, and although "2's" are commomly referred to as "terrible" in many different situations, I think it's important to keep in mind a vacation may be more stressful for a child old enough to be aware of his surroundings, but not quite able to grasp the idea of vacationing.

They've been taken away from their home, bed, toys, routine, etc., and for some children, at some ages, it's natural to cling to something that offers them comfort or to even try to control the situation by their behavior.

Also remember... Disney is sensory over-load.

If possible... take a few over-nighters or try a mini vacation, just a night or 2, to reassure him by getting him used to the idea of "being away and then returning home," before your Dec. Disney stay.

Talk to him about vacation, look at your photos or video and watch the Disney planning DVD.

Also, if you didn't bring your own stroller on this last trip... try bringing his from home, to give him his own familiar space.

 

[liznboys]

We just returned from a busy hot and humid WDW.DS 22 months was not behaving and all he wanted was dh the whole trip! He would scream if dh tried to use a restroom! We really want to try again in Dec.when the crowds are light (1st week or so) but I am too scared it will be a rerun.Anyone else have these problems?

I'm sorry it was a rough trip with him! Toddlers can be SO difficult!! I'm surviving the terrible 2's myself right now...I'm counting the days til he turns 3. But anyway, they can change so much even just month to month, he'll be different in December! Good luck!

 

[SmallWorld71]

It is very common for kids that age to attach themselves to one parent. We went when DS9 was 2 and he would only ride the rides with me.

I'm sorry, but I had to laugh when I read that things would be easier after 2yrs. after a day of dealing with a know it all 5 year old, a 9 year old going through a mouthy stage and a 12 year old entering puberty. Not to mention the soccer games, baseball practices, dance classes, homework, projects etc.. It doesn't get easier - just different.

 

[dawz1026]

Every child is different, and although "2's" are commomly referred to as "terrible" in many different situations, I think it's important to keep in mind a vacation may be more stressful for a child old enough to be aware of his surroundings, but not quite able to grasp the idea of vacationing.

They've been taken away from their home, bed, toys, routine, etc., and for some children, at some ages, it's natural to cling to something that offers them comfort or to even try to control the situation by their behavior.

Also remember... Disney is sensory over-load.

If possible... take a few over-nighters or try a mini vacation, just a night or 2, to reassure him by getting him used to the idea of "being away and then returning home," before your Dec. Disney stay.

Talk to him about vacation, look at your photos or video and watch the Disney planning DVD.

Also, if you didn't bring your own stroller on this last trip... try bringing his from home, to give him his own familiar space.

would you believe his stroller cracked in half at WDW! just to add to the stress...lol

 

[dawz1026]

I feel better knowing Im not alone! We didi actually have down time but it really did not matter ...he was pretty much out of hand a good part of the vacation but when he was good it was wonderful

 

[barnaby1]

I long for the day when my dd wants dh only!!!!!!!!

 

[Dallas_Lady]

What were some of the behaviors that you were dealing with?

We took our DD, albeit she was only 12 months, but I found that if we didn't let her get out of the stroller and run around, she'd get cranky. After all, she spent most of the trip strapped in. We also had to really adjust how we did things. We could not maintain a busy schedule and keep her happy. And there is so much to see, and so many people that WDW can totally be sensory overload.

Abover all, remember that every child is different.

 

[dawz1026]

What were some of the behaviors that you were dealing with?

We took our DD, albeit she was only 12 months, but I found that if we didn't let her get out of the stroller and run around, she'd get cranky. After all, she spent most of the trip strapped in. We also had to really adjust how we did things. We could not maintain a busy schedule and keep her happy. And there is so much to see, and so many people that WDW can totally be sensory overload.

Abover all, remember that every child is different.

Well for starters-ds would scream if dh walked away for a second and no one but him could push the stroller..(once we were home it was fine)
If ds is walking about and we have to put him back in the stroller...screaming and fighting us begins..One morning he screamed all the way down the elevator because I had to take him for breakfast so dh could catch break..it was very loud and embarrassing.He enjoyed all the rides and food.He even was pretty good at meals.But those tantrums..if he weren't so LOUD