Parenting Toddlers (1-3) Support Group
This community is focused on the joys, challenges and concerns faced by parents of toddlers (1 to 3 year olds). The major areas of child development include: physical development, perception and sensory development, communication and language development, cognitive development, emotional development and social development. Join to share your stories and get advice.
My son will be 2 in just 3 days, as of about a month or so ago he started having the worst tantrums I have ever seen. This happens anywhere we go, the mall, grocery store...anywhere (usually not at home though). It usually starts at any point when he doesn't get his way. The car seat is also the start of another tantrum, so is sitting in a high chair, shopping cart, stroller or booster. He constantly tries to get out, he will scream, kick, hit and basically just try to get out. I've tried just letting him stay there are cry it out but it gets to a point where I have to take him out because I'm afraid he's going to hurt himself. Then that turns out to be even worse because now he's trying to wiggle away from me, kick his feet and sometimes even hit me. I hold his hands and say no hitting but that doesn't work and if I put him down he'll either roll around on the floor and scream or he'll stop crying but start walking away to do whatever it is he wanted to do then I have to go chase him and it starts again. And I'm not even going to mention the people staring or making comments. I feel like there is nothing I can do to help the situation. Is this the terrible 2's??? Am I alone here or do other kids do this too?? Aside from these tantrums he's really a very good boy. If any one has any suggestions PLEASE share...I am at my wits end here.
As far as fits while he's strapped into things... I'm just trying to picture if my daughter started screaming because she didn't want to be in a shopping cart (for example) or is screaming in a store, I pick her up thrashing and carry her out. When I get outside the store (leaving my cart exactly where it is) I discipline her fiercly telling her that she will not go to the store anymore if she behaves in that manner. Not an empty threat, either because I wouldn't do it.
Hope that helps! You're not alone!
I took my 3 year old to the store just yesterday, I had my little one who is 4 weeks today with me. He wanted to buy something there, a car. I said not right now, we are already going to get icecream. Well, he threw himself onto the floor and started to cry and yell. I just sat there and said, No you are not going to get your way, let me know when you are done crying and then we can talk. He stayed on the floor for another min, and then walked over and we talked about it. I think he is easier to reason with because he is 3 and understands a bit more than when he was 2. You sound like you are doing everything that you can. Maybe wait to go to the store untll your husband comes home. If he can't behave, then he cant go. And maybe let him know that, SAY, mommy is going to the storem since you cannot be nice and quit, you have to stay here. And maybe he will catch on and start to understand. I know kids like to go