The monkeys are running the place

My boys have always seemed on the active side but I don't know if it is on the abnormal side or what the heck I'm supposed to do. They are climbing on everything!! My open-concept first floor has been turned into their space. I have a couch and tv (locked away) and the kitchen is gated off. Otherwise, it's theirs. I did have my dining room set pushed into a corner. I still eat at it occasionally, as our kitchen island is often covered with stuff. Now I have to remove all my dining room chairs because they are using them to climb onto the table. I can push them in, but they pull them right out again. They push them to wherever they want to go. They are now starting to climb on to the push and ride to give them extra height to reach things. You know, that thing with wheels that shoots out from under their bodies and causes them to go boom. Not to mention that I can't leave them alone for a second! bathroom, making food, all results in Ezra pulling Elias' hair or somebody swinging from the chandelier (not literally but I swear they are going to figure it out....and soon). I don't have a pack'n'play set up. I could put one in there but two would result in bloodshed (or a bald boy). Then the other would be skateboarding or something. I absolutely can't believe we haven't ended up in emergency yet.

Is this normal for twin 13 month olds? And how the freaking heck am I supposed to survive it.

Oh ya, Elias took his first 3 steps this morning. My heart was full of glee and dread....I know you know what I mean.

 

Oh boy do I know what you mean!!! I am sorry to say my monkeys are still running the place over here!!! I wish I could have my kitchen gated off and tv locked- neither of those would work with our layout. They have figured out every childproof mechanism- except our pantry door. I guess EVERYTHING has to go in there!!!! Our first floor is very open as well! The boys climb everything and time outs only make them seem to plan out how to do it again!!! It is crazy!! I don't have any advice- just wanted to comiserate with you!
Best wishes!!!
Lanie

 

Nobody else?? I guess my guys are out of the ordinary. Any ideas on how to regain control at such a young age?

 

I am soo with you. All my girls do is climb! Chairs, couches, ottomans. Here's what I came around the corner to the other day:

http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn194/c...22/IMG_3006.jpg

We've been walking for 3 months now, so it's really bad. They think they are invincible. Both of them were standing in the dollhouse in the playroom the other day. I dont' have any advice on how to stop it, just empathy for what you are going through.

 

Mine aren't even walking yet, but they are climbing all over the place. I totally feel your pain.

 

Yep, both of mine are climbers. We put a step 2 picnic table in their playroom to introduce them to it..show them how to sit, get up, etc.. No sooner than I finished working with them, I catch Griffin table surfing!! No lie...I had to try sooo hard not to crack up because he was really proud of himself (and he was doing well- lol!). For hours I continually said, "Sit down please"...it was exhausting. I'm starting to think it's going to take a serious boo-boo before they understand!!?????

 

I didn't have super climbers at that age. Wow!! That must be a workout!! Put the dining chairs on their sides. (Lay them down) And be really calm when you are removing them from stuff. Be matter of fact and emotionless! If you get worked up or exasperated, you will give them the reaction they want!!

I don't have great advice, sorry!!! :hug99:

:a_smil09: YAY FOR ELIAS TAKING STEPS!!!! :banana:

 

I remember that stage WELL with the boys and my girl!!! I removed the DR chairs or anything they could climb on and kept consistent with discipline. I know its not a lot of help but hang in there. It does NOT last forever

 

Yep, we have wild climbing monkeys here to oh, and BITING!! Now that's fun stuff.
I remove as much as possible within my limits and try hard to get them outside as much as possible.
One of my friends bungie corded her chairs all together around the table so they could not pull them out.
MJ

 

You will survive this! But I do suggest a lot of gates, door pull locks, door knobs locks because they ARE going to get into everything!!!!!!! :hug99: I like the chair laying down idea!