I have found that some days just work better than others,lol! When trying new activities it really has taken my 2 a few weeks of the new routine to settle in, especially at that age. Sometimes we have decided to pull the pin and leave (in extreme cases) after a warning as it was causing me more stress to stay. I think that it is quite normal for them to be experimenting with pushing boundaries etc and generally my experience is that they love to do it to/with ME! Probably because they feel safest and are just seeing how things pan out or are comfortable with expressing their frustrating etc with you, ITMS?? It is hard tho and I find it really difficult to work through. Often new environments, changes in routine, people being sick, too tired, hungry (some strange wind) cause my 2 to act a bit out of sync so I try to look out for that too.
Sounds like you did a good job to me! Anyone who pretends it has never happened to them either has a NB or a FT nanny! Have a cuppa, sit in the sun if you can and try to find the love again (as I can be an elephant so I need to give myself a kick in the butt occasionally)
PS don't go thinking I am smug as I could have cheerfully given away my 2 yesterday!!! Easter eggs got me thru - so much for being good!
MadB - aah thanks! Talking through with him prior is a great idea (and I didn't do it), and I think if i know what i'm going to do ahead of time, that will communicate to him really clearly what the boundaries (& consequences) are. Just talked to DH about it and we both agree that I will keep going (thank goodness it's not THAT expensive) as he was acting out in other similar situations and I think we do need to learn how to deal with it appropriately together. It's just funny when he is SO good in other situations. I can take him grocery shopping or the shopping centre and he's fantastic. I guess it's the neutral toys and sharing those neutral toys with other children which is really pressing his buttons. And lol re the lightning bolt, omg I wish there'd been some this morning.
Aimee - you said you didn't have help but actually your comment about little people acting out is so true! And we did leave, but I think I should have left earlier. He needs to know that his behaviour wasn't acceptable and that I just won't let it continue... I think if I could replay today that's what I'd do.
Mak - LOL re the easter eggs & thanks for saying I did a good job. I guess it really helps to be reminded that everyone goes through it when you've been the only one. It's ironic cos I know if I saw another mum doing it I'd just feel sympathetic not judgemental, so I really shouldn't assume they were judging me. Anyway I had a chai latte and three whole squares of chocolate (yeah I lashed right out huh!). Then DD decided to yell for a while (teething), then DS woke early from his nap and yup, I was that close to listing two small children on ebay! but ya know, I guess there's rules against that kinda thing. But I've had lunch and I'm feeling a bit more sane. I have a friend coming over for a playdate this arvo which I was nanoseconds away from cancelling but have decided to go ahead & see how he behaves... will show whether he's really under the weather or it really was the new environment. And I'll try again next week. Fingers crossed!
it sounds like you did a good job - you tried some different techniques with him & when they didn't work, you removed him from the situation - which hopefully stopped both of you getting any more worked up (cos it's not worth the emotional drain really, is it?!). did he calm down after you left? do you think it's the size of the group that upsets him? maybe it's because it's something new? sharing is tough for them as well. my DS doesn't get too upset but there's one little guy at playgroup who always wants the same toy as my DS & then cracks it if he can't have it. but i'm lucky in that our playgroup session is two mum's groups put together so we've known all the other mums & kids for ages.
i'm pretty clueless with my DS sometimes & don't stay as calm as i should. i also understand the whole idea that they play up for you & not anyone else. i try to put a positive spin on it - like they feel safest with us so they feel able to push boundaries. or something like that
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but ya know, I guess there's rules against that kinda thing. But I've had lunch and I'm feeling a bit more sane. I have a friend coming over for a playdate this arvo which I was nanoseconds away from cancelling but have decided to go ahead & see how he behaves... will show whether he's really under the weather or it really was the new environment. And I'll try again next week. Fingers crossed!
i hope the play date goes well this afternoon 
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