Omg the tantrums

zyas

I'm sure I'm not the only one who's going through this right now but I'm about to go insane.

Every day, almost by the hour, Ava is having some sort of tantrum. The smallest thing can set her off.

How are you all dealing with these tantrums? I'm trying not to give in as I know that will make things more complicated. At home I can just walk away and let her calm down on her own but in public that's not an option.

Her sleep pattern is also way off probably due to the holidays and is being so busy. There have been many nights that bedtime has been pushed back. Normally she sleeps through the night but lately she's been up screaming almost hourly through the night. I'm exhausted.

StokedWifey

Oh, we're going through them.  Big time.  I just have to read the situation to figure out how to handle them.  I ignore a few if they're just not getting his way and nothing else works, and others I just hold him while he deals with whatever is upsetting to him.  I always try to explain in short phrases why I say no, he can't have or do something, etc.  I know he doesn't grasp it, but it's worth a shot.  

A friend sent me this yesterday.  Maybe it'll help you.

APendola

Oh god...I feel your pain.  I'm scared because people always say to watch out for the "terrible twos"...so does that mean that these tantrums will get worse?

I have to admit that it is hard to keep my cool sometimes.  It really stresses me out when I can't do a simple thing like change her clothes because she is throwing a full-body fit.  So I get DH to take over if he is around.  He is more calm ...and I think that is important.  To stay calm and be patient..but that is easier said then done!

bumpuser1509193

We were talking about looking at boarding preschool this morning. I'm finding that if he is hungry, he is an inconsolable monster...just like his mama.

zyas

vanessaLC said:

We were talking about looking at boarding preschool this morning. I'm finding that if he is hungry, he is an inconsolable monster...just like his mama.

Lol! Yes Ava too, she is just like my H. If either of them are hungry, watch out!

Barefoot84

I think we've been fortunate, since the tantrums aren't very frequent. When they do happen, I try to reassure her and to comfort her.  We've been following this advice and it works for us:

https://www.ahaparenting.com/Default.aspx?PageID=1276804&A=SearchResult&SearchID=7481939&ObjectID=1276804&ObjectType=1

punkyshoester

I'm reading a book now and it says that kids this age have minor conflicts about 4 times an hour and major conflicts 2 times an hour. That makes for 6 conflicts an hour for them. I try to redirect or prevent but when that doesn't work I console. If it is something that he wants to do that is annoying to me and not dangerous then I just let him, like turning on and off the tree. The book also says that people have the wrong assumption that you can never give in. I assumed this too, like once you gave in then they would see you as inconsistent. It's not really the case and kids do better when there is some sort of feeling of compromise. I know he may not be capable of understanding yet but something for me to think about. Sorry if that got rambly

@KSKim - what book? I'm interested.