Toddler tantrums help before #2 arrives!

Roth-Stein

I have a very smart, stubborn and willful 17 month old boy. He has always been emotional and strong-willed but lately he has been throwing massive tantrums at various times of the day when we say no or take something away. The tantrums turn into huge hysterical crying and screaming and can last 15- 30 minutes, with him gasping for air and coughing/almost throwing up. I am due with #2 in less than 8 weeks and I am terrified that this behavior will continue, or even worse, get exacerbated by #2. Any suggestions? I bought the Happiest Toddler on the Block dvd (The Happiest Baby on the Block worked wonders for our son) and will be trying some of those techniques but could definitely use all the advice possible. 

2u2wow

i'm with ya! DS is 20 months and very strong willed and stubbourn. we have found timeouts to help and being very consistent with saying no and sticking with it. it's been hard but i think kids at this age - seems like especially boys - are just testing limits and when they don't get their way they just don't comprehend why so throwing a temper tantrum is kind of the only way they can communicate their frustration. 

i also find redirection a big help - instead of always saying no, it's easier to say yes to something else.

for example - DS LOVES to play with our water cooler. he presses the buttons faster than i can run over to get him away from it and i have to keep my cool to not throw him through the wall sometimes! haha the water spills on the hardwood and it's annoying and tough for me to clean up being so pg!!!  i find that if you distract or say yes to something else like his trains or trucks then he usually moves on pretty quick.

keep in mind his short attention span as well - it seems to work the same with distraction. it's not always what they want that really matters, it's about getting away with something.

good luck!!

i'm interested to hear what others have to say as well