Baby Throwing Tantrums?

Lady Heather - posted on 06/15/2010

My daughter just started with tantrums. She's great for taking out places. She loves shopping and going out for meals and such, so the out in public stuff is fine. But at home she has a tendency to get very frustrated when she can't manipulate a toy the way she wants or move the way she wants to (she still isn't crawling or walking!!). It's pretty awful. Can't do anything to help her. I guess she'll just have to figure it out. Hopefully she finally gets frustrated enough to learn how to move!

Sarah - posted on 06/15/2010

He is becoming a toddler and starting to express himself. My son sometimes does the same. The important thing is to stick to your guns, if it is bedtime, go through your routine and do what you do. He may not want the day to end because being up is so much fun. There is so much to learn and do and try and get into and he doesn't want to miss a minute. Be sure to remain calm yourself as frustrating as he can be, don't let it sway you to anger or frustration, if you are calm and expect him to go to sleep, stick to your guns and you will win out. After all it is bed time and he is tired. Another thought, he may be overtired, sometimes bedtime is more difficult then. Watch his signals, he is moving around a lot more now and expelling a ton of energy, if he starts fumbling a lot or wanting to be held shortly before bedtime, the routine may need to start sooner. Some others also swear by a bedtime snack including warm milk. Try each thing for a couple of days and if it doesn't work, throw it out. And just breath, don't get frustrated, he will sense that and play off of it.

Molly - posted on 06/15/2010

My daughter started throwing mini tantrums. My doctor said the same thing, that they are frustrated because they are learning and trying to do so much. Have you ever read The Happiest Toddler on the Block? or Baby Wise II ? I love those books and they offer a lot of ideas and insight-check them out.

Hidayah - posted on 06/15/2010

Phew thanks all! At least I now know my son's not the only one doing this to me! I have tried talking or hugging him when he's throwing his tantrums, but it didnt work. Ignoring his loud cries are painful to me, but I think I have to put my stand. He has to listen to me, he's sleepy yet he doesnt want to sleep, because he wants to play with grandma/grandpop. Or maybe he wants to sleep with them. :s
I really hope this will pass very very soon, as I need some time to prepare for the Terrible Twos syndrome.

Amanda - posted on 06/14/2010

My son will be 1 on the 19th of june and he discoverd screaming to get what he wants, he will point at what he wants and screams. It is annoying but I also know it is the only way he knows how to communicate. Also when I am giving him the thing he wants I make a point of saying the name of the object when I hand it to him.

Rowan - posted on 06/14/2010

LOL, my angel has realised that mummy comes running when he starts crying like he has been hurt, too! The first time he cried like this was like a knife in my heart and I went running up to his nursery to find him absolutely fine just trying to reach his doggie toy... :S
He never was a crier, even when he was a babybaby, so this is a shock to me!! I am glad I am not the only one though... When he tantrums now I just ignore him, and try not to laugh 'cause that makes him worse! :D

Alicia - posted on 06/13/2010

Don't worry about this it will pass. My 1yr old daughter started throwing tantrums also. I do agree with the other moms that they are testing us :) I also just continue doing what I was before she started crying or screaming and within a few minutes she stops. Then I will go to her and talk or just give her some attention but I never do it when she is screaming. About the bedtime I don't think it's because of you I think he wants to stay awake and play some more it is frustrating when you work and want to spent bedtime with them but you shouldn't worry it will get better. Good Luck :)

Tracey - posted on 06/13/2010

I'm so glad to hear this from you guys. My little one is a very happy kid usually, but hasn't started throwing tantrums in the last month or so also. I keep telling him, "You're not 2! You arent' entitled to have tantrums yet!" LOL! I don't acknowledge them and refuse to give him what he wants no matter what. They usually only last a few minutes; if that. You have to stay strong and let him know you are in charge. He's testing us!

CARRIE - posted on 06/11/2010

My pediatrician just brought up the subject of tantrums today at my sons 1 year well child visit. She said that this is the age that even the most well mannered kids start throwing tantrums. It is a very frustrating time for them. They want so bad to be all grown but, are hitting roadblocks at every turn. They can't communicate as well as they would like so when they are at their wits end they end up having a melt down. The doc said just to go about doing what ever it is you need to do and not paying any attention to them when they throw a fit. If you fuss over them they will get the idea that it is a way for them to get what they want and fast.

Ann - posted on 06/11/2010

My son has also started doing this...realizing if a cry, make a fuss.. I might get what I want... I think its natural... testing our limits see how we respond... My husband and I have talked about it and have decided that we can't give into the anger but need to teach him to ask for what he wants ( he can say tata) so we're encouraging that. Like if he wants another bite of supper something like that.

As for the lady asking the question... maybe this is a symptom of separation anxiety... I had a coworker who's daughter would start to act up after not enough one to one mom time... what she would do would be was request a day off work and just spend it with her daughter one on one doing the things they like.. as simple as stay in their pj's cuddle on the couch make breakfast together play. Sometimes kids just want that reassurance. Its hard being a mom and a full time employee...

It may also be more of the wanting to be independant... Maybe he's doing the same thing at day care?? Maybe he's not getting the rest he needs during the day.. I've heard at this age kids can start resisting their naps even if they need them.. might be time to check and see what's going on at day care too.

And as for bedtime routine... my son has gotten more resistive to this too..... crying while getting pj's on.. My husband and I alternate.. I do the bath, he gets him dressed for bed and I do the cuddle and singing before bed. If that's possible it might help!

Hope this helps and as you know kids keep changing.. this too will pass!!

Joni - posted on 06/10/2010

My son will be 1 on the 27th & has just this week started throwing temper tantrums, I mean screaming and throwing himself on the floor. I don't know why he is doing it he is usually a happy baby just a little spoiled. I just let him cry and act like it doesn't bother me and he eventually quits.