We can't take my 2 yr old anywhere...how will he be at...

[ellie&mattys mom]

My DH said that he doesn't look forward to vacation anymore next month....our DS is 2 and doesn't sit in a cart, likes to run...we just don't like to take him anywhere...
If he doesn't get his way he screams!!!
What are we going to do...

 

[robinb]

Hmmm.

I see a lot of people have looked at your post, but no one has taken a shot at it. Let me be the first then . You say that you don't like to take your DS anywhere. I think that a lot of people with 2 year olds feel the same way !

I also have a 2 year old child, one who is in mid-snit as I type. At 2 years of age it's their job to establish their independence. To run, to refuse to sit in a cart, to scream when they don't get their way. Believe me, I know . It's a very frustrating time for parents and child. Plus, if you both work out of the home you only see your child during the "witching hours" between 4 pm and 6 pm when all 2 year olds lose it and melt into a little puddle of uncooperative protoplasm. Of course, that's exactly when you need to go shopping.

You have 3 choices. (1) You can cancel your trip and possibly lose $$ and a much needed vacation. You will still have to deal with your DS at home. (2) You can go to WDW and leave your DS with a relative. IMO, you would miss him a lot if you did. (3) You can go on your vacation and make the best of it knowing you DS's temperament and limitations.

I have a couple of suggestions. Have you looked into getting a child harness or a hand leash? It might be your salvation. You can let your DS run all he wants and you still have control over him. Get him used to it now so it's not a surprise later. Maybe someone who's used one can suggest a good method. Even though he may not want to ride in a stroller most of the time, bring one anyway. Once he gets tired, he'll ride. Also, include nap time, swim time and down time in your schedule.

BTW: As with all snits, my DD's snit is already over and she's playing happily.

 

[ellie&mattys mom]

Thanks for making me feel better...I still want to go....like I said some places he is fine....I will buy the leash...I am thinking about giving him Bendryl for the 2 1/2 hour plane ride...no I don't work and he is usually fine at home...He is a great sleeper....

 

[skeezixspud]

... but make it a point to use Fastpass as efficiently as possible; IMO, the worst meltdowns come when waiting in lines. Also, you can't take the stroller into most waiting lines, and he'll probably want to be held. Here's a tip for that: put a block of foam in a cheap waistpack, and wear it when waiting in lines. You can then prop him on the waistpack, sparing your back. (I have one that was actually made for this purpose, it's Japanese, and I found it in a thrift shop. Wonderful idea.)

Put a little lunch cooler in the stroller with frozen juice boxes, a sippy, and some cereal snacks. Nibbles keep them occupied and help ward off meltdowns.

Also, use your carseat on the plane! Not only is it safer, but he's used to it, and with a wanderer that is very important; otherwise he'll probably drive you nuts wanting to explore the plane.

PS: With DS, I found that in Disney parks he tended to prefer to stay in his buggy; the crowds tend to be pretty dense, and mine got shy with all those strangers up close. Outside the parks? Take your eyes off for a second and he was off like a shot. The harness was invaluable at that age.

 

[drusba]

Your 2 year old sounds about normal to me (I have 15 year old DD (tomboy) who I swear started the terrible twos at 6 months and is still in them). When we took her at two things went pretty good--we had some episodes of tantrums and when they occurred we just picked her up and headed for an area away from the immediate crowd (we even had to leave a show once; the worse occurred the night we left Epcot and ended up waiting in an area near the exit but away from the crowd until most everyone had left because the screaming would not stop). Also, we were surprised that her abberation to carts and strollers at home actually became a demand to always use one while there (I think it had to do with seeing huge numbers of others in strollers). But one thing was certain through the whole ordeal--we had a great time and so did she...most of the time we were there). We ended up having to carry and hold her a lot more than we anticipated but it was fine. I have seen those with harnesses and those can be a mixed blessing--you keep track of the child but often find yourself entangled with other guests particularly when it is crowded. The key is to avoid losing your temper (and it is very hard) when things get tough and don't worry about being embarrassed. There will be two types of people who will look at you and your child when the tantrum occurs--those who have no children and wonder why you cannot control yours, and those who have had children and thank god it is not theirs acting up at the particular time.

 

[robinb]

There will be two types of people who will look at you and your child when the tantrum occurs--those who have no children and wonder why you cannot control yours, and those who have had children and thank god it is not theirs acting up at the particular time.

LOL! Isn't that the truth?!? I have been on both sides of that fence.

 

[nalasmom]

Its possible that down the road you may find he has Attention deficit disorder, or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity disorder. It doesnt always manifest itself as what you see on Tv and hear about. Do some research, have him tested. I have a son who was exactly the same way. I could not get him to participate in ANYTHING. And the criticism you get from others is incredible. They always know better than you.

Anyway, these kids turn out to be bright, creative, and talented in most every way!!!! My son, whom I thought I would kill (about ten times a day)! , is now at 17 one of my best friends, and a joy to be around! But these kids are VERY misunderstood. They need alot of love and support.

On the other hand, you may want to wait a while, he may just be going thru the terrible twos. Just remember there are places to go and help to get if you think he is too "different" from the other kids his age. Good Luck, and go to WDW anyway, he may find it all TOO fascinating! The bright ones do, and he sounds like he is really smart. Hug him for me!

 

[Mish]

Wow that could have been me writing your post only my son will be turning 3 while we are on vacation next month. I am so worried that he will be so misbehaved. He wont even sit in a restaurant so we can go out to dinner. Forget the supermarket. I have purchased a bellybag for him to wear in Disney and it comes with a leash. I dont care what anyone thinks about the way it looks (if they think it is mean then they DONT have children or forgot what it was like to have a toddler). I would not worry about what anyone thinks. Go and enjoy your vacation. He might surprise you and be a perfect angel. Michelle

 

[babslittleones]

We went the last week of August and our DS was 26 months and DD was 4 1/2. We have had a horrible time with our DS this past year. He wouldn't listen and was always throwing fits. I always made very quick shopping trips while DH watched him for me. Then a few weeks before our trip a transformation took place. He suddenly started understanding a few things. He didn't throw as many fits. Our lives had improved a little bit. Our vacation ended up being the best trip we have had. Here are some of our tips we used. We gave him one chewable dramamine pill about an hour before the plane trip and he would sleep for a good hour on the plane and then snacked during the rest of the flight. We would wake him up only minutes before we left the hotel for a park opening in the morning so he wouldn't get bored in the hotel room. We fed the kids breakfast snacks in the park to help keep them occupied while we baby swapped for the big rides. DS was also very satisfied just watching everything going on around him while in the parks as long as we kept moving. There are a ton of rides DS could go on in the Magic Kingdom which he liked alot. We ate at the Ice Cream Social at The Land in Epcot. You get huge ice cream sundaes while Pluto, Mickey, Chip and Dale all come by for pictures. PLuto was the best. He played with DS for the longest time. Let's see, just a few more. DS is a huge Toy Story fan so we got him a Buzz Lightyear stuffed toy and he carried it around everywhere for days. We also carried around his favorite snacks and candies for when he started to act up. Even with all these tips, our DS did have his moments and some temper tantrums. All you can do is just pick him up and take him away from the problem or distraction. Oh yes, we did the afternoon rest tip that everyone comments about. It worked wonders. DS didn't always sleep but getting away from all the action for awhile really helped everyone. We also were there when the parks closed early so we would go to either MK, STUDIOS, or Animal Kingdom in the morning and then finish the day at Epcot each night with the parade or fireworks. I hope some of these tips will help you with your trip. We had a great trip and have some priceless pictures of our DS and DD. I wouldn't have missed this trip for anything.

 

[Barb D]

I used a harness with my 23 mo at WDW a couple of weeks ago. I didn't get a single dirty look. I saw a few other people with them. I also saw an out-of-control toddler RUNNING away from his father has fast as he possibly could, and the father not able to catch up. My sister ran interference and stopped the child. I think they wished they had the harness! It gives the child a little bit of freedom, but not so much that they can get away from you. If you're in a crowd with one, just hold on to the strap up much closer to the child (instead of all the way at the end.)

I also used a sling in line. My hip pack is big enough for her to sit on, too.

One thing you might want to think about is how you can discipline him in public. You may not be able to use some of your usual methods. I had trouble figuring out how to enforce a "time out" in EPCOT. EVERYWHERE you looked there were wonderful things to see. There was no way to "sit her in a corner." Even the corners were fascinating. I tried putting a raincoat over her stroller so she couldn't see out, but then she thought we were playing peek-a-boo. I never did come up with a good strategy. Anybody have any ideas?

 

[Claudine]

My son was very much like yours at that age he is now 6 yrs old diagnosed ADHD. I say go, benadryl is not a bad idea I have used it myself you will not be a bad parent because of it. Use the harness. I starting using it when my son starting walking sometimes I got dirty looks but I did not care. I knew where my chid was and that he was safe you are doing the best thing for him AND yourself. Bring your stroller but keep in mind maybe you could rent one too my kids always wanted to sit in a new stroller using a Disney stroller is something new for him and he may stay better in it, for a while anyway. Go knowing you will not see everything do what you want first with anything else being a bonus that you were able to do it. Use the play areas - Dinoland to let him run off some of his energy. Go to attractions that may hold his attention better. One more tip about the 'leash' get a harness one not the wrist so he does not feel it pulling and put it under his jacket or shirt so he cannot unzip it (or put it on backwards) my son was able to take it off after the first few wearings and that was what worked.

Good luck and enjoy your trip.

 

[aprincessmom]

I was lucky...my DD never was much for throwing tantrums or aggressively asserting herself. My neighbor's little girl (same age) was a whole other story. I marvel at the patience of her parents.

My DD has been pretty "portable" since infancy -- we can go anywhere with little fuss and fury. And she likes her stroller but I used a harness when we would go to the mall -- it was easier than trying to maneuver a stroller through those narrow aisles -- and it was always a comfort to know she was there with me. Gave her a degree of independence and gave me control and peace of mind. Let 'em look at you funny. Your kid will be safe and within reach.

Also keep note of "toxic time". Even though she was great, DD had specific times of day when nothing made her happy. Just keep mindful of those and don't push. WDW is overwhelming to young and old alike so keep the schedule flexible.

If your DS has never been on a plane before, consider playing plane with him prior to the flight. Have him pack up a little suitcase and set up chairs like a cabin, then go through all the motions -- check in, security, boarding, "flying" complete with snack service, unloading, picking up luggage. Let him be in charge sometimes, and you others. That way he'll have a better understanding of what will happen and it may help to limit his acting out when the time really comes.

The last bit of advice is make sure if you lay out a consequence for an action, follow through. My DDs one public tantrum at 22 months was in a grocery store. She was climbing out of the cart, pulling things from the shelves, whining and crying when she didn't get what she wanted so I said "The next time I have to speak to you we will leave and you will go home to your room." Within 2 minutes she began a tantrum whereupon I let go of the cart, picked her up and walked out of the store. She was so stunned by it that she stopped and promised to be good. I told her that would be fine for next time but this time she had to go home to her room to be punished. And that was the last time it happened. It's hard especially when you are on vacation but keep that same firmness you have at home while on vacation.

 

[swanmom]

Just one tiny word about the benadryl. You might want to try it once at bedtime
before you go. It did put my DD to sleep on the plane, but the minute she woke
up, she puked everywhere !! Upon waking, she complained she felt sick. I grabbed her and ran to the bathroom with DD covering her mouth with her hand ... picture here the terrified faces of the other passengers! Then when we got there, the bathrooms were occupied. I wish you could have seen me screaming to the passenger on the aisle near the bathroom "Where's your barf bag? Where's your barf bag?" Of course, no one found theirs in time
After she got this out of her system she was fine. The doctor said that some kids have to
take it on an empty stomach and some with food. I wish I had known this before we went
so I could have checked her 'tolerance' before we left. (I'll bet the people near us on the plane would agree

 

[aprincessmom]

Also benadryl has the exact opposite effect on my DD...makes her hyper to beat the band. Can't sleep, can't sit still. So I'm with swanmom, try it at home first.

 

[wdisneyaholic]

Hi,

I just have one suggestion, is it possible that he acts up out in public because he doesn't get out much? My 2 year old is like that if we don't get him out of the house a little every couple of days. Maybe try to get him out into more public situations before you go on vacation. Try going to the mall and walking around for a couple of hours, let him out of the stroller to run around at the mall or park for a few hours. I think 2 year olds need to express their indepence and that is what is is probably doing. My 2 year old doesn't want to be held or even hold our hands he just want s to go on his own. I just tell him that if he wants to want he has to hold our hands. HE gets his freedom and we still get a little control over him,

I have definately founf that the more freedom you give them in a controlled area they seem to listen a little better when they need to be in a controlled area. Good luck.

 

[JenB]

I so feel your pain! I am very nervous about taking Payton, my 2 year old, the last week in November (aren't we going about the same time?). The only reason we decided to do it now was A) she is free, and 2) I think it's a perfect time for my 6 year old and I didn't want to wait any longer for him.
If it gives you any indication, most of the people in our neighborhood call her Hurricaine Payton. They use nice words like "busy", "active", and "curious"
I am definitley taking Benedryl and am not afraid to use it
Sometimes I think I am nuts, but we are going to concentrate on the Magic Kingdom (we are staying at the Contemporary) and do our best to make sure she gets her 11-12 hours at night and a daily nap. Loss of sleep is what spins her out of control the fastest

 

[anut4disney]

The twins just turned 2 in August!!!!! I really love this post and am enjoying all the answers.

 

[veraletta]

I think it's a 2 year old's job to misbehaved.. I would worry it they didnt..
I have two grandson's one is three and the other is two. when we go to disney.. or really
any place I tell them that if you dont behave see that person over there... and I point out people that work in the store, if you dont stop running around, they will make us leave... its their job to make sure others can shop. if they make us leave then you cant go look at toys...... that works some of the time... and then there are the times I just have to say we are leaving... kids are kids... and at two they are really hard, all I can tell you is to go and have a good time... if you feel your kid needs to go back to the hotel when he acts up, its really your call.. but I think if you tell him we are leaving he will stop.. it may take one time for you to go to the hotel to show him you mean it.. but remember you may have to remind him a couple of times while at the park that we will have to leave if you start running around.. Disney doesnt like you to running around...its one of their rules... my daughter had a hard time with her son cussing.. when he came over to my house I told him that Mickey Mouse called and said if you talk like that then you cant come back to disney world, as mickey doesnt want kids to talk like that at the park... so now if he hears any one cussing, he will tell them oh you cant go to disney.... it worked... and thats all that matters...

 

[LGTripletdad]

Friends, This question has been both enlightening and worrysome. My DW and I are taking our three two year olds to Disney the week of Nov. 4. We haven't done much planning by way of tantrum control and it is now clear that we should. We don't get out much during the week so I am sure the whole WDW experience will have their attention. The only question I have for the experts here is, are the WDW double strollers straight across the bottom? Can the accomodate three little boys who will probabally want to walk everywhere? Well, a second question.. does anyone think it possible to do a baby swap with 3 little ones or can you offer a suggestion for DW and I to ride some big people rides? Thanks in advance.

LGTripletdad

 

[Jordan's MOM]

Ellie&Matty's Mom

Sounds like you have a normal healthy 2yr old! I have worked with preschool age children for years and raised a "wild child" toddler also. I found that toddlers want to use all their senses to "explore" their world and that translates into lots of extra energy for us as parents to deal with. Your luck is that Disney is a place that all thoses senses can be used. He can touch lots of stuff and see things that he has never gotten to see. Sounds and smells will be new.As long as you watch out for sensory overload I bet his behavior will be better at Disney that at home.Also at Disney, all of your attention can be focused on the children,giving them less reason to act out.Something not possible at home or the grocery store.I found when my son was that age , he got more "hyper" when he was tired. Plan lots of breaks and stop before he is on overload. As for the harness, use it! Don't worry what anyone thinks.His safety and your peace of mind is what is important. When my son was little I had one of those wrist type but I aways dressed him in overalls and fastened it to the back of his overalls.He hated the harness feel and would not leave it on his wrist. On his back he could not get it off and it never bothered him.
BTW- Wild child toddler of mine is now a wonderful well behave(most of the time) honnor student.

GO HAVE FUN!
Jordan's mom