Tantrums at the age of 15 months

[katkaburda]

My daughter is having tantrums since she is about 14 months. It isn't anything major, but I find it very challenging. When she is doing things she likes she is happy. When she is told she can't do something, she screams. Especially when she is not allowed to walk everywhere she want. She is the happiest child when she is in the playground - as she can walk around and I let her explore by herself. But when we are in town and I need her to either hold my hand or I use the walking harness she gets really worked up. I usually take her to church every Sunday morning. Today, I had to walk out in the middle of the service because I didn't let her walk around the whole church. Every time I took her she wiggled in my arms and screamed. I am always trying to stay calm and wait for her to finish - I mostly hold her in my arms. It makes me so sad. I feel like I can't go anywhere without people turning their heads at us. I feel like I have to battle with her a lot. Am I doing something wrong? What am I supposed to do in such situations? Usually you will find advice on tantrums for older children that cannot be often applied with her. I have worked with children for 11 years and I have also worked in nursery and yet, I feel hopeless with my own. Anyone experienced the same at such early age?

[Olivegirl]

You could be talking about my own daughter at that age!
It's normal for that age but also tiring and exhausting ...

I do know it didn't last too long and this stage will pass..
Distraction where possible helps

My dd1 is now 18, happy, laid back and doing well in life.

It does not last!!

[AppleCrumples]

You could be describing my dd2 who is 14 months :) I think it is normal as they start gaining independence and want to do their own thing. They do grow out of it, it is frustrating though :)

[WheresTheCoffee]

It is frustrating, but perfectly normal and certainly not a reflection of your parenting..which sounds very child led and caring BTW.
I found with DS that this sort of thing started around 2yrs but with DD (14mths) we're seeing it already! I mean full scale, stretched out on the floor, legs kicking, shouting tantrums! It's all part of the development process, although not always a fun one. I used to stress so much with DS when he started playing up but I found giving a calm and consistent response helped a lot and wine

It's not nice when people stare, but they may not be looking on and casting judgement..many of them will have been/currently going through similar, some may just be looking. It doesn't really matter at all what they think and it took me a very long while to believe that. But once I did, some of the stress I felt eased.

[BotBotticelli]

sympathies OP, my 15mo DS sounds exactly the same! it is exhausting. I am constantly having to carry him out of the shopping centre/park etc under my arm like carpet whilst he kicks and screams and hits me. bad times!

[ikeaismylocal]

My 14 month old ds is the same. Leaving the park is the time he is most challenging.

I have started to avoid long stretches of time in situations where he is expected to be still/quiet. I wouldn't attempt a church service as I don't think either of is would get anything out of the experience as ds would be constantly wanting to run around and I'd be trying to distract/placate him and we'd probably distract other people.

I'm hoping that as ds started his "terrible 2s" early he will also finish it early, but maybe he will just be an experienced tantrumer by the time he's 2.

[katkaburda]

Thank you for your replies. It is so encouraging to hear that other mums go through the same with their Little ones. The hardest bit for me is to always stay calm and positive as it can be so tiring but in that respect I think I am doing quite well (although I do have to scream into the cupboard sometimes hehe). Parenting is surely the most challenging job ever