Tips for diaper changes/dressing LOs...

shaindelr

Please help...  Most of my parenting meltdowns occur during diaper changes/trying to dress Liam. Does anyone have any tips as far as what works for you?

I think he just wants to be independent and thinks he's dressing himself or he thinks it would be funny to run away when I'm trying to put pants on him, but it's just getting worse and worse (for both of us).

Whoever made up the anger management tip of going out in public with your child if you feel that you're getting too frustrated with them didn't take into account that getting a toddler dressed and into a carseat is about as calming as working as a bomb deactivator. 

Also, is this age just really challenging? I mean, is this the "terrible twos"? Does it get better?

I've looked for parenting classes online, but they are all things for teen moms (ridiculous when you're 36) or through our local alcoholism counseling center.

Aren't there just parenting classes for people who were raised by abusive parents and would like not to be abusive? From my online searches, it seriously looks like they're only for people who legally HAVE to take them because of having their children taken away...

Please don't freak out and think Liam's in danger or something... It's not like it's that bad, but I'd certainly like things to be better. (I'm just realizing now that it's winter break how hard it is for me to be alone with him when Jared works Fridays and Saturdays.)

 Thanks so much!

shaindelr

OMG! It's like the gods are mocking me! I post this, and he has pooped AGAIN. He already pooped once in the bathtub today... Wish me luck! (Someone on Facebook said to just act silly and sing a song. Here we go!)

2u2wow

DS hates getting his diaper changed - he is just too busy to stop what he's doing long enough to get changed. i try to talk to him and say 'we just have to change and then you can play with your toys...' sometimes it works

otherwise i'll ask him questions and go through the list of animal noises he knows

or give him his soother or tooth brush to play with.

or i'll get him to hold the diaper while i do the rest and then grab another one to put on him. then at least he feels like he's helping

these don't always work but at least they are options to try!

i always change his diaper and put on his clothes while he's lying down on the change table though so he can't run away 

2u2wow

oh and yes these must be the terrible twos! and i hope to god it gets better!!! 

it's been very tough on us - i'm a SAHM and it's exhausting!! (especially being pg!)

i feel your pain! i hope it gets better  

Twirple

It helps me to turn it into a game.  When I have time, I will tickle his belly with my nose/face while nom nom noming on his belly, then take off his pants.  Nom nom nom his belly again, take off his diaper and clean him up.  Nom nom nom again, new diaper on, nom nom nom again, pants on.  The more he giggles, the easier it is to get him to lay there.  He has started pulling up his shirt to expose his belly and saying "please" so I'll tickle/nom it more.

I also tickle his belly when he's arching his back to avoid getting into his car seat. 

bugandbibs

I go straight for the electronics during diaper changes.  Genevieve can play with the ipad or my phone.  Otherwise she flips, twists, turns, and screams through the whole thing.  It's wearing.

Also, I really have to change her on a table.  If I try and do it on the floor she always gets away from me.  I have had success at my mom's by turning on Sprout when I need to change her on the floor.  She is temporarily engrossed.

As for the parenting classes, you might have better luck looking for a specific program or contacting DHS.  I went to several when we first adopted Jacqueline.  I also really like the Love and Logic series and they do classes and books. 

https://www.loveandlogic.com/ 

shaindelr

Thank you so much, Everyone! I got Liam little toy cars to keep in the top drawer of his changing table, and for now, at least, that's working. I've had a few people recommend the Love and Logic series. I'm definitely looking into now that I've heard it here, too! 

Merry Christmas, and thanks again!

LadyXaverian

shaindelr:

Thank you so much, Everyone! I got Liam little toy cars to keep in the top drawer of his changing table, and for now, at least, that's working. I've had a few people recommend the Love and Logic series. I'm definitely looking into now that I've heard it here, too! 

Merry Christmas, and thanks again!

We read Love and Logic for teachers at my previous school. I will most definitely look into the parenting version as well.