Howley...if you get a chance can you read my tantrum post?

dundasgirl

I need your expertise.

howleyshell

LMFAO.

Expertise?

HA!

DH was just commenting the other day how grateful he is to have 2 kids that he thinks will be productive members of society because he's now quite certain that Jason is destined for some kind of correctional facility as an adult.

We're in tantrum hell right now.  And frankly what you're describing as a tantrum looks mild by comparison.  I'm talking 45 minutes in his room non-stop crying. Nothing we do or try helps.  He's utterly irrational about very small things that haven't remotely phased him in the recent past.

 He was fine 2 weeks ago, got super sick and got a LOT of Mommy time and hasn't been himself since.  We don't know who this kid is.  He's been bad before but this is a whole new level - even for him - and that's saying a L.O.T.

 

Let me get them down and I'll share a few thoughts but really.... I'm the LAST person you should be seeking advice from right now.

The last.

Let me know:

1.  Can you usually tell it's coming before the tantrum hits?

2.  Is there any continuity to them?  (hungry, sleepy, certain time of day)

3.  Does it appear to simply be a defiance and independence kinda thing?

 

More later.  Gotta get the kids bathed and to bed then deal with organizing some stuff for my newly deceased neighbor's wife then I'll be back.

 

dundasgirl

howleyshell:

Let me know:

1.  Can you usually tell it's coming before the tantrum hits?

2.  Is there any continuity to them?  (hungry, sleepy, certain time of day)

3.  Does it appear to simply be a defiance and independence kinda thing?

 

He has had a few mild tantrums like when he really wants to wear a certain shirt and it's in the wash so there is nothing I can do about it.  Or he wants to wear Penny's hat but it's freezing outside and she needs it.  I don't care what shirt he wears or what hat, but occasionally when he wants something I can't give him, he loses it.  For instance, he wants bananas, we have grapes.

The worst has been bedtime/naptime.  He used to love going to bed.  He was the kids who would say "yay!!!" when it was time to sleep.  Last night he wanted to go back into the spare bedroom where I was sorting out old clothes and folding laundry.  I said "Reed it's time to read stories and get into your pajamas.  Pick out a book and let's go into your room."  "NOOOOOOOO!" he yells and the tantrum begins!

I just put him down for his nap and it was no problem...We had a little chat this morning about how it makes Mommy upset when he acts like that.  And I made sure to praise his good behaviour extra this morning.

Uh, I know the battle isn't over. 

I am sorry J is giving you a hard time right now too.  My nephew will be 4 in May and he bangs his head off the wall when he gets into full blown temper tantrum.  I hope it doesn't come to that for me.

dundasgirl

howleyshell:

Let me know:

1.  Can you usually tell it's coming before the tantrum hits?

2.  Is there any continuity to them?  (hungry, sleepy, certain time of day)

3.  Does it appear to simply be a defiance and independence kinda thing?

 

He has had a few mild tantrums like when he really wants to wear a certain shirt and it's in the wash so there is nothing I can do about it.  Or he wants to wear Penny's hat but it's freezing outside and she needs it.  I don't care what shirt he wears or what hat, but occasionally when he wants something I can't give him, he loses it.  For instance, he wants bananas, we have grapes.

The worst has been bedtime/naptime.  He used to love going to bed.  He was the kids who would say "yay!!!" when it was time to sleep.  Last night he wanted to go back into the spare bedroom where I was sorting out old clothes and folding laundry.  I said "Reed it's time to read stories and get into your pajamas.  Pick out a book and let's go into your room."  "NOOOOOOOO!" he yells and the tantrum begins!

I just put him down for his nap and it was no problem...We had a little chat this morning about how it makes Mommy upset when he acts like that.  And I made sure to praise his good behaviour extra this morning.

Uh, I know the battle isn't over. 

I am sorry J is giving you a hard time right now too.  My nephew will be 4 in May and he bangs his head off the wall when he gets into full blown temper tantrum.  I hope it doesn't come to that for me.

I think it's a challenge/defiance thing.  It goes away so quickly when it ends or he is happy with my suggestion/alternative to what is happening that I don't think it's about doing what he wants...more about trying to see if this tactic will work.

For instance he really wanted to do a puzzle the other day when it was naptime.  He freaked, whined, cried.  I said "it's naptime.  Time for sleep.  We will do puzzles later."  Complete change of emotion.  He gives me a hug and says "nite, love you" and snuggles into his bed.