DD is REALLY testing me!!

[Taler]

I totally get that as she only has a few words and can't properly communicate it'll be frustrating for her and the only way she can express that frustration is by tantrums, crying etc.

What I find really tough to deal with though are the apparent 'no flippin' reason whatsoever' situations.

For example at lunch just now I offered her a yoghurt, she got all excited, had a few mouthfuls, then gave me the spoon so I said "do you want mummy to do it" to which she says "yeh" (and I am aware she'll say yes and mean no and visa versa!). So I take the spoon and proceed to get some yoghurt to which she says "no no no" whilst shaking her head looking all upset so I give her the spoon back to which she pushes it away and starts crying. And sometimes when she cries it ends in her throwing up, which it very nearly did this time.

I feel I have a decent amount of patience with most other things but find my tolerance levels are pretty much on zero when she behaves like this.

Just wanting to know from other parents that this is "normal" and if anyone has any tips?

TIA

[CultureSucksDownWords]

Yes it's normal! There was probably some tiny subtle detail that was really important to her that you got wrong! The only thing I can recommend is to try and sympathise with her, and to remember that it is really frustrating to not be able to communicate exactly what you want.

So, there is a reason, she just can't tell you what it is. I find that comforting and distracting is the only thing you can do.

[Taler]

I always think there surely must be a reason why she behaves that way but it's never remotely obvious at all!

It seems to happen mug more at the dinner table! It's happened twice today!

Just tried to give her her dinner. I said "mummy do your dinner?" To which she excitedly replied "yeeeeeeeh". Sit her at the table, present her with her dinner and a fork and spoon, ask "are you gonna use your fork or spoon" to which she says "poon", I give her the "poon", she cries, so I give her the fork, she cries harder. The end result? Her dinner is in the bin!

[cantmakecarrotcake]

Taler, it sounds to me (who obv wasn't there and doesn't know your daughter!) like she's telling you she's had enough/isn't hungry?

Or maybe not. Toddlers are a law unto themselves!

It took me a long time to realise our mealtime issues were because dd just wasn't hungry.

[Taler]

Fair point and could be. Cannot wait for her to be able to tell me these things!!!

[cantmakecarrotcake]

Have you tried introducing some baby signing? 'More' and 'finished' are ones they pick up really quickly. It's basically just Makaton (a la Mr Tumble) which you could look up online I'm sure.

[Taler]

Thanks. Good suggestion :)