Toddler frustrations....

[TheOtherVillainess]

would try to establish a routine where there is regular quiet time and regular nap time. I would also be firm about establishing boundries ... what will be tolerated and what won't.

We don't have a lot of rules in our house, but the few we do are firmly reinforced when DS does something he's not supposed to. That's also why, when DS was born, we didn't de-claw our cat. We figured after he got smacked around a couple of times by her, he'd learn not to mess with her. He still hasn't learned, unfortunately, but most of the time Rumple runs away and hides or jumps up where he can't get to her to get away.

I feel so lucky that he *almost* never refuses to take a nap. That may change as he gets older though.

He also knows that if he behaves himself, while Mommy is making dinner (or in the case of a grocery day) he gets to watch a show he likes, usually Big, Big World, LazyTown or Star Trek: The Next Generation.

TOV

 

[meloneyb21]

We don't have a lot of rules in our house, but the few we do are firmly reinforced when DS does something he's not supposed to. That's also why, when DS was born, we didn't de-claw our cat. We figured after he got smacked around a couple of times by her, he'd learn not to mess with her. He still hasn't learned, unfortunately, but most of the time Rumple runs away and hides or jumps up where he can't get to her to get away.

I feel so lucky that he *almost* never refuses to take a nap. That may change as he gets older though.

He also knows that if he behaves himself, while Mommy is making dinner (or in the case of a grocery day) he gets to watch a show he likes, usually Big, Big World, LazyTown or Star Trek: The Next Generation.

TOV

That is the same logic I use with DD2. She keeps messing with that cat and I'll tell her "Maurice is gonna get you." but she never listens.....that is until he gets ticked and gets up on his hind legs and then tries to run after her. It's so funny how she might try to hit him and he'll turn around and swat her right back, then she'll coming running to me "Mommeee, Aurice (that's what she calls him without the M) hit me!" LOL...she's always chasing after him, tormenting that cat until I here her scream from somewhere "OW! Auriiice!"

 

[OceanAnnie]

Kindred spirits.

Here are a few things that have helped me through some bad fit throwing:

** Play some catchy music and go about your business. After awhile they begin to like the music and forget the fit. And for the times it doesn't work, at least you can take the edge off of the drama.

** After the "peak" of the fit, (and you have to move on or leave) talk really low. Speak in a "just audible" voice. They have to lower the volume to hear what you are saying.

** When speaking to someone else, portray an overly excited, exaggerated conversation. Start off in normal tones so you get attention. Then, speak in a hushed manner. It is hysterical to see a fit dissolve because someone doesn't want to miss something!

A good while after the fit is over, I like to talk to my little one about it. I say it hurts my ears to have all that loud commotion. We talk about feelings -- that it's ok to have them. I encourage asking for help or talking things over instead of having a fit. But as you know, some days are diamonds and some days are rocks.

I do agree that looking for extra ways to praise and giving extra hugs during the day helps. Sometimes.

 

[camreesmom]

Slightly off your topic ... recently a coworker with a 2 year old says to another coworker "Does your child hit you? Mine hits me all the time." The other person says, "Yeh, but I think that's normal." Huh??!! It wasn't when I was growing up and it wasn't when I was raising my children either !!!!

Huh???? again! We wouldn't have dreamed of hitting our parents when I was growing up. They would have knocked our teeth out!!!!!!! I would totally freak if one of my kids hit me.

One time when DD7 was little and throwing a fit, DH threw himself down on the ground and started kicking and screaming. DD just stopped and looked at him like he was nuts! Stopped that fit!