I need some serious help! :help: I am battling with W all day long or so it seems most days. EVERY little thing that I tell him no for is a total meltdown, on the floor sobbing for what seems like an eternity. I used to be able to distract him but I have been trying to get him to calm himself down. If he doesnt snap out of it quickly I have been having him sit in his room and telling him that he can come out when he is done crying – I have tried checking on him every few minutes or so but it just goes on and on and on for 30-45 minutes. If he hits or something he goes in T/O and that process usually goes fine but certainly doesn’t seem to be changing the behavior very much. I have to say we are also going through a lot of changes – I am now home with the kids FT and we are moving this weekend so I am sure all of that is feeding into it. But I feel like I need to try some other approach or just stay the course. So exhausted and I am just sick of the constant crying. :headbang:
Oh the joy of toddlers! :gah: My biggest advice would be to pick your battles. Before you say no ask yourself 'Is this something I really feel strongly about? Is it worth dealing with a half hour meltdown over?'. Obviously there will be things that are a safety hazard or that you feel you still need to say no to, but I found that when I stopped and considered things before saying no I could cut out a bunch of tantrums simply by letting some things go. Then I would say that even when you have to say no quite often you can do it without actually saying no. Either by saying the positive instead of the negative; "Feet on the floor please" rather than "No climbing on the chair, get down" or "Blocks aren't for throwing. Let's find your ball." rather than "No. Don't throw blocks." Or by saying yes with a but attached, e.g. if he wants a biscuit and it's almost lunch then instead of "No. It's going to be lunch soon" say "Yes. Your lunch is nearly ready and once you have eaten that I will get you a biscuit." (he may be a little young for that tactic but it works surprisingly well as they get older). Finally choices, choices, choices. Give him as much control as you can in things that don't really matter. Also let him be independent in as many things as you can. The lovely tantrums are all really just a battle for control. If you let him control things that are small or which you don't mind about he will be much happier and should be more compliant with the things that do matter. Good luck!
I agree with choosing battles carefully & then being very consistent with discipline. Those two things, plus time, is all I know that helps. :hug:
Yep, I would agree with the pp's suggestions. Also, 123 Magic works pretty well for us. :hug: It's a tough age.
