Why does he keep doing this?

My son Sean has picked up the worst of habits. To get us not to leave the room at night time he will ask for something, we will give it to him, and he will throw it, then ask for it again. He also, during the day and whenever, will push his cars into places he cant reach on purpose just so we get it for him. Needless to say this is an ANNOYING trend.

At night I will give it to him the first time he asks. Then, thats it, I tell him, hes a big kid now and he can get it himself. This leads to him crying himslef to sleep everynight which I HATE. BUT, I don't want him to think this is okay. I explain, it's bed time (We always lay together for a few minutes) and tell stories, and then it's time for mommys and daddys to go.

The only thing I can think of is that he can sense the changes with the baby coming. It's not that difficult since I have been mopey from pain and contractions, and can't do many of the things we normally do together. I'm sure it's just attention getting behavior...BUT how do I get it to stop? Is it something that will go away on it's own? If I don't retrieve these things for him, there is a HUGE fit. I put him in time-out and he will stop eventually, and I always explain to him why I can't keep getting these things for him. It's always his favorite toy too, the one he can't live without that day...he has a Corvette that he carries around, and now I can never find it, since he keeps putting it places...so everyday he walks around behind me ALL day saying "Coooorrrvvvette?" until I find it. Then when I do, it's back some place it shouldn't be.

I would love an outsiders prespective, I am loosing my mind. Thanks!

 

Ah, the lovely twos. Moshe has just discovered that he can tantrum, throw fits and refuse to listen. It sure is fun. I think that consistency is the key. You have to be consistent.

Usually when Moshe does this (as a game, mind you), I tell him that Mommy is picking it up now, but if you throw it down again, I will not pick it up. And that's that. I don't allow any begging, cajoling. I firmly tell him that mommy is not picking it up, we don't throw etc... Usually he learns pretty fast that this is not going to work.

 

:8714bumper:

 

I think in order to see a change in this behavior at night time, the day time may be a good time to start reacting to it differently.

He also, during the day and whenever, will push his cars into places he cant reach on purpose just so we get it for him.

I think this is just typical two year old behavior....there are many things my guys will say they "can't" do, but if it is something that I know they can, I will encourage them to do it on their own. And them doing it didn't happen overnight....I had to be very consistent in encouraging them to do things on their own. It sounds like he is doing that thing with his cars for attention....I would either encourage him to get out the car himself.....or tell him you will help him get it out this time, but the next time it gets stuck, he will have to get it himself.

If I don't retrieve these things for him, there is a HUGE fit.

Sticking to your example of pushing cars into places he can't reach.....I would continue to encourage him to get it........get it one time (after he has tried).....and then if he does it again and has a fit, well, I would just ignore the fit. He is not getting his way, so he is having a tantrum = typical behavior for this age.

Just keep being consistent with him, he will get it!!!!

 

QUOTE
The only thing I can think of is that he can sense the changes with the baby coming. It's not that difficult since I have been mopey from pain and contractions, and can't do many of the things we normally do together. I'm sure it's just attention getting behavior...BUT how do I get it to stop? Is it something that will go away on it's own? If I don't retrieve these things for him, there is a HUGE fit. I put him in time-out and he will stop eventually, and I always explain to him why I can't keep getting these things for him.

I think you're right. He probably is fed up with not getting to do as much as he used to and is looking for ways to get any attention he can.
I would do the same as you and pp; pick it up once and that is it. I don't think I would bother with time out though, I would just explain "Mommy is getting this for you now, but I won't come and get it again. We don't throw/post toys. You need to keep it where you can reach." Then ignore any further tantrums/whining about it. If you carry on being consistent (sounds like you are doing a good job with this already) the behaviour will stop-how long that takes depends on how determined your son is!

The only other thing I can think to suggest to deal with the fit is distraction. When he is crying/moaning at you (in the daytime) try sitting down and starting an activity yourself. Get out crayons and draw, do a puzzle, read a story, play with other toys or whatever. Hopefully when he sees you having fun he will want to join in and will forget the 'lost' toy. Also you are then spending time with him and so he is getting more attention.