continuous tantrums.

[Nicole]

Hi all,

My son has just turned 2. We use the 1-2-3 magic counting for time out, but when we're out its very hard to do. And he wants to make everything a battle. From getting in THEN out of the car seat, into the pram/trolley. Tantrums if he can't get down and walk (I do sometimes - but then he just wants to take off and crawl so i have to put him back). I'm looking at buying the backpack with a strap so he can walk more - but its happening so often i'm thinking im doing something wrong.

If the wiggles or barney isn't on he cracks it. if its on and he would rather the other he cracks it. He's start throwing things or slapping. and because we still have a communication barrier its even worse.

I really don't know what to do! He has a very short attention span. I try and stay there and keep trying to reinterest him in playing but rarely works. and i could do 20 activites in an hr and all my ideas have gone that I was going to do for the day!

I try not to go out until hubby is home. but because he works basically 8-6 sometimes I need to while certain shops are open. He also needs to learn sometimes it isn't all fun and games and mummy needs to do things.

please help me!!!!

[LimeSlice]

Try giving him cod liver oil every day. He might not like the taste, but persist. It is only a couple of ml a day, and will work wonders, especially for the attention span.

As for the tantrums when out, ignore it. It is hard, and you will get stares, but put him in the trolley, strap him in, and ignore any of his tantrums. When he decides to calm down, redirect some attention to him. Eventually he will work out the behaviour isn't getting him what he wants, and he will try a new tack. It is the only thing that works here.

[angelaartsstudent]

My 19 months old cracks it if The Wiggles aren't on most of the time. Short attention span, sporadically races from activity to activity, throws, slaps, has bitten once before (and drew blood!), is great at running away and also at what I call the "floor tantrum" where they throw themselves down and scream bloody murder. Is a beautiful girl...but really knows how to throw a good tantie. She suddenly went from calm angel to partially non-human, so I just put it down to a stage in development.

No advice yet as I don't have a 2 year-old...yet...but your boy sounds pretty normal for a 2yo to me!

Maybe some other ladies can shed more light on the matter.

[angelaartsstudent]

.

As for the tantrums when out, ignore it. It is hard, and you will get stares, but put him in the trolley, strap him in, and ignore any of his tantrums. When he decides to calm down, redirect some attention to him. Eventually he will work out the behaviour isn't getting him what he wants, and he will try a new tack. It is the only thing that works here.

DITTO. It's hard to ignore, but ignoring it works. Every time. It will take a few minutes, most likely, and those few minutes will feel like FOREVER...but he will stop, just like my DD does. The ignoring is the best thing that works for us.

[Nicole]

Thanks, but what about the whole actually getting him into the trolley or car seat. he's a strong little thing and on my own most of the time. and can often get out of the straps...

[BrightSparkles]

Thanks, but what about the whole actually getting him into the trolley or car seat. he's a strong little thing and on my own most of the time. and can often get out of the straps...

OMG I could have written your post!
Miss J has been like this for a long time and especially when at the car/trolley. One day I said something along the lines of "can you use your big muscles and help mummy do your seat belt up?" and since then while I have control over where she is putting the clips in she thinks she is being a big help. I also let her take 1 toy in the car as it acts as a distraction.
Like you I use the 123 but lately have found it's not working so much. I have taken to sitting her in the middle of the back verandah and telling her when she is finished then she can come back to me. i also leave a bottle of water there for her. Has been working lately so e'll see how it goes.

HTH.

[LimeSlice]

You just have to be stronger hun.
I know it is hard, but again, ignore it, don't respond, jut do what you are going to do. Every time he tries to climb out, put him back in, do the strap on the trolley back up and continue. Repeat if necessary. He will tire of it eventually but you HAVE to be stronger, you HAVE to maintain.

WRT to the car seat, same applies. You can get these straps that go between the two shoulder straps, above the buckle - they are designed to help keep the straps on their shoulders so they can't take their arms out while you are driving. Get one and use it. He will not be able to get out of the chair once he is in it.

It WILL be a battle, but you NEED to be in control, he must learn that you are in control, not him. The only way to do that is to be confident, and maintain your position. Simply giving in is only going to show him he can push you far enough and get his way. Be consistent and be firm. It will take time, and it is not easy, but it does work, and at the end you and he will have a much better time.