2 1/2 YO TEMPER TANTRUM

Amanda - posted on 11/15/2009

My son has JUST started doing that also! We were in the store grocery shopping and we put him in the cart because he wasn't listening. He started crying and screaming at us and when we took him out he ran back to the cart and started trying to climb back in it. All I could do was just keep going. Everytime he stopped I asked if he was done and he'd start all over again. You are not alone!

Maria - posted on 11/06/2009

One day while visiting my friend as soon as i arrived to her house my son started to cry so loud as soon as he saw the people in her house. I know he is not used to crowded places since i been staying home lately. So i took him out after trying all the possible ways to make him feel relax. the people were friendly but he would scream harder. That day i feel so embarrased He wanted to go home.( For those who live in ny we had just taken 3 different trains and a long walk to get there)
so while outside i gave up and say OK I'm really TIRED AND EXPLAIN TO HIM ALL THE REASONS NOT TO BE SAD BUT IT WAS UNTIL I SAID OK. Tired felt like giving up said "Now I'M FEELING SO SAD THAT I'M GOING TO START CRYING TOO ...SOON HE REPLIED "NO MAMA DON'T CRY PLEASE" SO i ASKED HIM TO HELP ME TO RELAX BY TAKING DEEP BREATHs WITH ME,... AFTER A MINUTE
HE WAS FINALLY OVER WITH HIS ATTITUDE.

I still can't believe how caring some kids are and i guess i'm a lucky mom

Karen - posted on 10/11/2009

there is this book called 123. that means count to three and if the child doesnt stop, put her in time out. anywhere will work, the car her or his bedroom. i put her there for how old she is. her time is2 in a half.

Beverley - posted on 10/11/2009

Hi! I have so had this with my son!! He's now almost 5 and so much better! He used to throw major league tantrums! I remember one occassion when we were going Christmas shopping. He had a habbit of running off, so on the way there I made it clear to him, that if he ran off, I would put the reigns on him. So in the middle of the shops, he ran off!! I lost sight of him which freaked me out! When I caught him, I had a huge battle on the floor in the shop to get the reigns on him! Once I had, he sat there and screamed at me, 'I'M NOT WALKING!!' So I said, 'OK, I'll drag you!' Got some strange looks, but he stood up and walked for me after a few seconds!!! My theory is, firstly, pick your battles. Don't say no if its something trivial, because you have to follow through and stick to your guns! Giving in is NOT an option, because otherwise they know that throwing a tantrum is worth it as they will get their way in the end! Also, if you are expecting certain behaviour, make it clear to them before the event if possible, as with my shopping trip! He knew the rule, so I had to enforce the consequences. Do not be beaten by a tantrum! They are pusshing the buttons and testing your patience to the limit at times, but they need to be set clear boundaries. It makes them feel safe. And setting fair rules makes it so much easier in the long run, because they learn what they can/can't do. Consistency is the key to success. Don't change the rules each day. You will have polite, well behaved children who will love and respect you in no time! Ben still tries it on at times, but it never lasts long. But now I have had to start with his younger sister! At least I know it worked with Ben!! Good luck to all you mums out there going through this very difficult stage! Just remember, it is a stage and it will get better!!!

Leanne - posted on 09/26/2009

My "not so lil girl" is the sane wen she has her tantrum and i have done the whole nawty step,takin things off her and nothink seemed to work till i stopped 1 day counted to ten in my head and walked her to her room sat her on her bed and walked back out, yes she followed me and without talkin to her i walked her back to her room, i did that for bout 15mins then the last time she sat on her bed for a few mins came back out and sed "im sorry mommy" and gave me a biggg hug ... since then the tantrums have still happend but now i do it that way and she stops after 3/4 times of me putting her on her bed.. hope tht helps xx

Fran - posted on 09/24/2009

Elizabeth you just made me laugh because you just described my daughter. She has fits over nothing sometimes and there isn't anything we can say or do to calm her down, she just seems to get more mad and her new thing is SHUT UP.. how do you like that, she learned that from her cousins and it makes me want to come out of my skin when she screams it. We have tried everything from time-out's to light spanks to taking things away from her and now when we take something away she will actually give us more things to put out of her reach until she calms down. I have never known any child to go on with a tantrum and be so dramatic for so long so this has been such a shock to me. I wish I had an answer for you but all I can say is I can relate and I hope both of our girls get passed this "stage" quickly!

Colette - posted on 09/20/2009

oh no - you're not the only one! I think kids know when we're in a sticky spot and can't do much about it. They have us over a barrel. My 2 yr old gives me attitude right at home, even. And he doesn't care one bit. He'll yell at me, throw things, knock chairs over... but I do remember going through this with my oldest, and it does get better.....

Elizabeth - posted on 09/13/2009

Where's the end of my story? Anyway, I was just hoping for advice and that I'm not the only mom out there who's had this type of experience!!