Is he laughing or crying in this picture... take your pick. I've seen both at the same time mind you!
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
Calling all toddler Mothers!
Okay, so any Mother knows that even good kids come with challenges (I think). Mine is probably no different. My son has a strong and healthy body, a quick mind, he's very social, and the list goes on. The big BUT(T) of all of this is that he has very strong mood swings and I'm wondering if I should be concerned/do anything about it. I don't reward tantrums. I don't listen to screams. I do give him cuddles and love when he's talking calmly about being upset. But, my little love still falls apart at the drop of a hat. Worse when he's tired. Or hungry. Or in any situation where others might be watching. Parents of any emotional kids out there: what did you do that worked?
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
6 comments:
I think mood swings are natural for all children since they don't quiet know how to deal with what they are feeling or even what they are feeling. When that happened I generally knew that either my child didn't get enough sleep, or that they were hungry, I still try to keep as healthy as possible snacks on me so that when we are out and about and I see the signs coming I offer them a snack. My #2 child doesn't like a lot of noise and people for long periods of time and so when I see she is wearing thin I will offer to her the option of going in another room by her self. One thing I have been trying so I can't guarantee the success but Dr Laura said to a caller acknowledge how they are feeling ie "it's hard when you don't get to do whatever, and I know it makes you feel sad" and then say something to the effect of what you are doing will not help you get what you want "but screaming about it isn't going to get you what you want"... I guess he might be a little young for that one! With both of my girls I think the most effective thing I did was when they were tantrum-ing I walked out of the room and if there was a light I turned it off, it gets there attention quick and then they know that that doesn't work, but out in public is always harder but my personal opinion is don't back down just because it is in public or they will act out more in public! :) I hope that helps!
I find that everything with my kids comes in phases. From one month to the next they are a completely different child (or 6 months or a year). So do what you're doing and don't stress...you'll see, just be patient.
I don't think you can have a half normal kid without also having the intense mood swings. Both my kids still have their days. When they turn into little monsters, I just excuse them for some bedroom time. Typically they are only in there for a few minutes and when they come out they are completely turned around. (I'll just warn you that nothing in fail proof however.)
First of all...CONGRATULATIONS!!!! It's so exciting to add baby no.2! And, I promise it's not as bad as everyone would have you to believe!!! I admire that you are waiting on the gender. I will never do it again. It was so anti-climatic! Of course, I imagined the "movie screen announcement," but I had to ASK if Hazel was a boy or a girl! It made it not worth the wait!
About the behavior...I have to go with "he's a boy!" Renée had a few outbursts here and there, but Elijah took it to a whole new level!! I'm talking like if his food was broken when he opened the package...end. of. the. world. I'm happy to say that he's grown out of it for the most part...as long as he's not overtired. 1.5-3.5 was a looooooong 2 years!!! I even used brushing therapy for a while. Nothing was magic, and patience is hard, but it does end eventually. Hopefully, sooner than later for you!
love,bre
Eva definitely has her moments. She can be the happiest kid and then one second later it's like she turned into a completely different child. I have always had the motto "cranky girls go to bed" with her. So, when she gets moody and cranky, into the crib she goes to time out. Thankfully she can't get out of her crib yet so it has worked pretty well.
Lynae sent me some helpful tips on dealing with toddlers. I'll forward them on to you.
Post a Comment