So far 2 years old is NO fun!

kelliwill

So the girls turned 2 on 12/14 and I don't know if it's that or all the craziness going on right now with multiple family losses or what, but ever since DH and I got back to Oklahoma the girls have been throwing MAJOR tantrums and having MAJOR meltdowns.  Ava is also having a hard time napping and will play and play and then maybe fall asleep, but sometimes no nap at all.  They are sleeping ok at night, thank goodness.  Ava is also VERY clingy and gets very jealous if I am holding or paying attention to Grace.  We were gone for 4 days and 3 nights which was the longest we'd ever left them, but we've been home for a while now and have gotten back into our routine.  DH and I are beside ourselves w/these outbursts and are clueless how to deal with it.  Usually taking them outside helps but today that didn't even work, they were out there screaming their heads off and freaking out over every little thing.  Gracie is particular acts like a "brat" as DH puts it anytime she doesn't get her way or you tell her no.  She will literally scream and yell in your face just all mad at you.  Then she goes right back to doing what you told her not to.  Any suggestions, books, anything on how to deal with the drama my girls seem to be throwing our way?  TIA!  I need all the help I can get!  

kiwi443

I only have one 2 year old, but he's been, um, rather spirited lately. Unfortunately, I think some of it is just part of learning life and it will take time for it to pass.

I have found the book The Happiest Toddler on the Block to be somewhat helpful. I particularly like the strategy of doing "time-ins". Basically, making sure that you give your child small chunks of quality time with you to counteract the attention-seeking behavior.

GL, I know it's a tough age!

joliemariée

No help here, but SO glad to here I am not the only one going through this phase! Mine are 22mths and my goodness they have been crabby and throwing tantrums like crazy for week!!...it was about 3 weeks of solid insanity followed by 8days of ear infections, and respitory infections...but thank goodness it seems to be tapering down the past few days. It is just non-stop fighting over toys and my attention too..non-stop!

Could your girls be getting sick? I think part of our issues was a succession of house guests and parties etc... to go to w/ the holiday and being overwhelmed.

 

Good luck to us all!!

erinruns

First, I would make sure to get them sleep, especially naps.  At that age they still need naps and lack of sleep will definitely make the tantrums that much bigger.  

The best advice I got about this age was to figure out your rules and enforce them.  You're really laying the foundation for future years now.  Love & Logic is good, as is 1-2-3 Magic.  I also agree with the pp that you need to make sure they are getting quality time with you as well.  It only gets more from here on out, so it's important to put a plan together on how you'll handle things.