I have two sons; a 10 month old and a 2.5 year old. The baby is a peach. Easy-going, happy and has started to sleep through the night. The toddler is such a handful I'm struggling to cope.
He's so loud and demanding ALL the time. I feel embarrassed wherever we go as he's always the loudest, most out of control child by miles. Literally everyone else seems to have these quiet, well-behaved toddler sons, and mine is from another planet. It makes me feel like a failure.
I'm trying to instil manners and discipline now he's getting a little older but it's so draining when he spends from 6am until 8pm (napping has stopped for some reason) doing one or all of the following: shouting, screaming, squirming, running or being rough with brother. I don't want to demonise him but some days I feel so run down i can't cope. He's well fed, watered, entertained, and loved...I grit my teeth and get on with things but I need to know this is a phase that won't last! Or at least someone tell me you're in the same boat...
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Someone tell me this gets better
Cheesypeas9 · 13/10/2015 14:33
I'm sure he isn't the loudest, it always seems like that with your own as you're so acutely aware of what they're up to! Most toddlers have their moments 
Does the toddler go to a child-minder or nursery at all? If not, could you afford to send him even for one morning a week? It'd give you a bit of a break. I find my DD incredibly hard work and demanding sometimes but the time apart gives my ears and brain a much needed rest, and by the time it's pick up I'm really looking forward to hear her scream Mumma repeatedly chatter again.
I'm thinking over-tired too and agree with PP about maybe making bedtime a bit earlier if he won't nap?
Ah, don't wish away those precious 10months before you lose him to education! And he definitely isn't bored of you 
. It does sound like he has lots of energy to burn off though - exhausting, but will stand him in good stead when he's older.
The preschool may well have spaces. I've found that as well as being cheaper than nurseries, they are often more accommodating. Even when they are privately run, they seem to still see themselves more as part of the school system. Ask at any primary schools close to you too - they often have a 'linked' pre-school (as well as the school's actual nursery) which does wrap-around care for the school, but also takes 2+yo.
I'm sure you've tried out all the different parks within range! But it's worth thinking about what else could provide some entertainment, even if it isn't aimed at pre-schoolers.
Do you have a garden centre close to you? They are often fun for a mooch around, especially if they have a fish area. Ours sells fish food, which you can feed to their fish - sounds strange, but the children love it.
Is there a train station close to you? Even if you end up just doing a short return trip for the sake of it, that will be great fun for your DS. Even better if there's a different park at the other end. Maybe take a picnic if it's sunny.
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