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Is it common for this age.....

Natalie - posted on 08/27/2010 ( 2 moms have responded )

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Ok, my daughter is 20 months old, and is driving me a little nuts. She is hardly eating anything at all. As soon as we put her in her chair to eat, she MIGHT take one bite of her food, and then she just breaks down and screams and cries. And last night she woke up about a hour after going to bed screaming and crying and we couldn't calm her down. She is so cranky, and throwing fits about EVERYTHING. I know that it could be the onset of the "terrible twos", but I didn't know that she would start to refuse food and not be able to sleep. I checked for teeth coming in and don't feel any, although I suppose they might be and we can't feel them yet. She isn't running a fever, and isn't pulling at her ears or anything to indicate an ear infection. So, is anyone else having this issue as well? If so, what has helped you deal with it?

Natalie.

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Natalie - posted on 08/29/2010

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Thank you for the assurance. We just got back from a weekend trip back to our hometown that is 2 hours away, and although it was a bumpy ride..I think it helped a little. I think being around my family (which she sees every few month or so) made her forget about what was bothering her, because although the first night she didn't eat, this morning she ate a whole bowl of cereal, 1 pancake, a small container of teddy grahams, and a ton of milk, and some cheese. She was so good, and acting like she normally does! So for our sake (but mostly hers) I hope that the change of pace for a couple days helped her.

Vicki - posted on 08/27/2010

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I think the so called "terrible" twos is mostly about independence. It's actually kinda the "terrific" twos. Suddenly, your baby is like, his own person. Amazing. He (or she) realizes this!

One of the few things that toddlers can control is what they eat. Of course, YOU choose what is on the table, but they choose to eat it or not. From what I understand, yes, hunger strikes are common. Fear not, a child will not starve herself... but she might hold out in hopes of getting something better. So if you often cave and give her the sweet, not so healthy alternative to the family meal, just so she will have eaten something, she will come to expect that sort of thing. Allow small choices in the matter. Your child can choose an apple or a banana, or similar. Allow "help" in the kitchen too! It's pretty neat to see how some different foods are prepared. And with a hand in the making of the meal, she might be more interested in trying something new! (sometimes!)

Being cranky and irritable might be due to molars... I don't see any yet for my son either, but he's definitely feeling them. Poor kid. Another reason for crankiness could simply be due to feeling misunderstood. At this age, our kids are learning and understanding so much of what's going on, and wish to participate more than they are able to. They WANT to have conversations, but cannot form the words, and they WANT to climb up high like the big kids do. Sometimes, many times, it can be overwhelming. There might also be a need for a naptime or bedtime adjustment. Much patience, and much love is needed right now, like always.

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