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Toddlers: 24 Months+
mommytoconnor
member
OMG...I don't like my toddler right now.
mommytoconnor
member
So I feel awful saying that and I love him, but don't like him, if that makes sense. His behavior is killing me. He turned 2 in June and is awful. He is speech delayed and has some sensory problems, which he has therapies for and I have seen an improvement. Well over the last 3 weeks, he is a monster to get to nap or go down at night. He is pulling at the TV, almost to the point of pulling it off the armoire, he's climbing on everything, pulling hair, pokin eyeballs, swinging his arms like he's gonna hit but just laughing at it. He doesn't mind ever and if he has to wait 3 seconds for something or he doesn't get his way then holy hell breaks loose and major tantrum ensues. I don't know how much more I can take. I am a single mom and my mom helps me out on the 3 days I work, but when is enough enough. I put in time out, he gets out and laughs, I redirect him, he goes right back to it, I ignore and he keeps on. I can't win with this kid. I have talked to my peds and his devel peds as well as OT and ST and no one has any suggestions that I haven't already done.WTF. When will this phase end of pushing puttons. Pls give me a light at the end of the tunnel here folks. I'm drowning.
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Re: OMG...I don't like my toddler right now.
Sorry you are feeling so overwhelmed. There could be several reasons for this, sometimes it is as simple as phase that they go through. The most important thing is that you try to stay calm and not yell or have a negative reaction. If you feel like you are going to lose it walk away and give yourself a few mins to get yourself together before handling the situation. I am not saying you don't spend enough time one of one but could he be looking for your attention? Maybe he needs to burn off some energy and do something active? Another thing you can try if you are not already is rewarding and give praise for good behavior and sometimes that helps. Rewards can be done with stickers, or something he really enjoys doing and maybe with you. If he does not like to go down for naps maybe you can try "quiet time" in his bed for a little bit whether he sleeps or not, he can get on a schedule with some down time. I Hope things get better for you soon.
Sorry you're having such a rough time, mama! I would talk to the pedi, therapists, etc. again and let them know what you've tried and ask for additional suggestions and support. You might also want to check with your hospital or the pedi to see if they can recommend parenting classes, where you might be able to get some more tips and advice. I wouldn't try to sugar-coat things- be very upfront with how challenging this is to manage and make it clear that you really need some support.
Would it be possible for your mother or another adult to help you one night a week (or every other week) so that you could just go out with friends or get a pedi or do something for yourself? Not that that will help with the behavior issues, but maybe having some time to recharge your own batteries would give you a little more energy when dealing with your son.
Hang in there and keep asking for whatever help you need!