Terrible 2s at 15 months???

Miranda - posted on 04/17/2010

My son is 16months & he has been doing this for a month now, it can be embarrassing in the supermarket when he cant get what he wants! I offer him 2 items from the trolley, if he doesnt want them, he doesnt get them & i ignore it, he soon calms down - much to my embarrassment from stares from onlookers! When i try & change my sons nappy he usually starts kicking & screaming, i gently explain to him if he lets me change it we will go "shopping, or walking" or whatever the next plan for the day is, he usually co-operates after this! When I am at home & he throws a tantrum - usually at tea time or when he doesnt get what he wants, I ignore him until he calms down & them ask him what is wrong or what he wants, he usually then shows me what he wants! But i think they sometimes just know when to throw a tantrum to test your patience! My sons first one - I had to walk out of the room to hide my laugher, but the funnier side quickly faded! Good luck!

Dianna - posted on 04/17/2010

Thanks ladies the advice has been very helpful. Wish me luck

Katie - posted on 04/16/2010

My son is 16 months old. I usually call his name when I find him doing something he shouldn't and when he looks at me I make an angry face while saying a firm "no no". Then when he does what I want him to do ( such as back away from the oven/wastebasket/laundry basket etc) I pour on the high voice praise and say "that's a good boy".

Children at this age can understand facial and physical expressions more then they can with words. If she still persists include a tap on the hand and repeat the word "no" as you pull her away from whatever she is doing.

Good luck!!

Myra - posted on 04/16/2010

The terrible twos don't necessarily start at age two. Mine started around 16 months. It is time to start disciplining her if she is exhibiting behavior you do not want. It is very hard to discipline a 15 month old, but it is not impossible, and if you can get her so she knows you are the one in control now, she will be easier later on. Only you know what will work best for her based on how things work in your home, but time-out is a good place to start. If you decide to take away toys or objects, take away anything you want other than her comfort object if she has one. The comfort object is the only thing that should be off-limits to your removal. However, you do not give her the comfort object, either; if she wants it, let her get it. That will help her use it effectively if she needs it, but will also let her decide if she can self soothe (which she will choose more over time).



If you use time-outs, be prepared to try and try again. It is only recommended that children stay in time-out for 1 minute per year of age. So, at 15 months old, she would only have to stay in time-out for about a minute and a half. ...It will be the longest hour of your life! Just stay persistent and keep putting her back when she makes a break out of time-out.



One other thing to consider when she throws a fit: does she seem tired or hungry? If she does, don't punish her. Instead, give her a snack if she is hungry or put her down for a nap if she is tired. You'd be amazed how behavior changes with food or a nap! Little ones are just like us. Some days they are more sleepy and need more sleep. Some days they are more hungry and need more to eat. So, don't look at the "usual" she does; look at how she appears at the moment. That takes practice on your part to pick up on if you have a pretty structured routine of naps and eating.