Tantrums, tears, screams....oh my!

christinaa722 · September 2013

Hi ladies! I know I don't get to bump much, but when in doubt I turn to you guys! Anyways, DS is 17 months and the past few weeks we've been having some temper tantrums that include but are not limited to falling out in the middle of a store, screaming or crying nonstop for attention only, biting, refusing to sit in a high chair, throwing food/sippy/whatever is within reach. All of this said to say, tonight we had probably our worst dining experience thus far.... Of course, it was a nicer restaurant and we were with friends, but he got to the point where he was screaming and climbing out of the high chair and basically by all means uncontrollable. I feel like this is just a phase and a giant test of wills (I feel like I'm definitely losing), but I want to know if you ladies have had a similar experience and how did you handle it. TIA

[Deleted User] · September 2013

Yes. Ugh. Some days it just feels like battle after battle (and I usually lose, too). At least the in-between times are so great.

I am re-reading Happiest Toddler on the Block, and trying to implement some of those strategies. We don't go out to eat anymore, haha. Shopping cart is ok as long as I let him play with various groceries and give him snacks. Leaving the park is hard. He likes to be a big boy and do things for himself, so last time I let him walk part way home, until he got distracted playing with a Kleenex and I could put him in the stroller. Diaper changes are the end of the world, and I have not figured out a sure fire way around this. Sometimes doing silly things or giving him a fun toy works, sometimes nothing works and we just have to man-handle him. Getting into the carseat is better now that we turned it around and let him climb into it himself.

I hear this is just a phase! GL!

[Deleted User] · September 2013

Oh, the high chair. I don't force him into it anymore. I just wait until he's ready. Sometimes bribing him with a treat works, and then I can give him the healthier part of the meal once he's in it. Sometimes I just go sit at the table and start eating, and he wants to join me. Sometimes, if he really just needs to eat, I let him sit on my lap or give him bites as he wanders around. Usually if it's yummy enough I can get him into the chair after a few bites. Once he says "all done" I get him out of it ASAP.

I try to limit the things I say "no" to, and let the little things go. That way he's getting his way more of the time and I can put my foot down on the important things.

christinaa722 · September 2013

Thanks moms! I'll have to look into that book myself, I was a big proponent of Happiest Baby since DS had ridiculous colic that literally lasted 6 months. Im posting this after my child just had a 25 minute scream fest while in his high chair with DH and I trying our hardest to ignore it, so I think a little reading will hopefully help. It makes me feel better to know its not just us...all of our friends have kids and they seemed to act like their children never went through this phase. We'll try to keep our heads up!

Vans18 · September 2013

yikes! Not to worry, my LO went through that as well. I think for us he only went through a 2 week phase where he was doing that everyday. When we go out to restaurants I stopped asking for a highchair because he wont take it. Instead, I ask for a booster seat and a booth. I corner him- yes he will sit when eating and when he is done he likes to stand and do silly things, so i take the booster seat away and he does his own thing, while letting me eat too. So might want to try this. GL!

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Tantrums, tears, screams....oh my!

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