HELP!! 20 month old DS stressing me out!

[Angiebabes]

Where do I start???
Cannot go out the room or he goes berky, even using this laptop causes him to start the waterworks, if I turn on shower or a tap he screams blue murder, if I have hairdryer on he screams the house down. I am at my wits end.
He has started getting up at 6am and wont go back down for a sleep after his breakfast, sometimes he has a half hour sleep during the day, but that's not a regular thing, he throws things off the coffee table, picks up his toys and throws them, and basically demands my attention all day long.
I feel so tired as I don't get a minute to myself all day, as I'm running after him, cannot do hoovering also, as that makes him throw a tantrum.
When DH is home he does not behave like this, my Mum says he is trying to control me, I really am at my wits end and have started having anxiety chest pains, cannot go on like this.
I should say he has become even more clingy and demanding since he was ill over Christmas, which is making things all the more worse.
ANY help would be great.

[karen999]

Oh Angiebabes - poor you! However I would say that this is quite normal!! I would just try to ignore the tantrums etc, but when he is good really praise him! I did this with dd1 and it did work. I know its not easy....the little mites like to see how far they can push you. But you have to remember that it is you in charge and you who has the power to control the situations. Sounds like he is very active. Keep as much stuff that he shouldn't get out the way. Does he like building blocks etc? Can you do stuff like this with him?

[Angiebabes]

He is at the momemt throwing a tantrum because I am using this laptop!!
When he is good he is very good, we do have fun playing and yes he does have building blocks, but also a short attention span!
I really am ready to run for the hills.

[Jackstini]

Hi Angiebabes - yep classic testing the barriers behaviour. dd (21 months) behaves differently with dh than me. I speak to her calmly and slowly until she calms down. If she doesn't, I put her on the naughty cushion for 1 minute. If she won't stay then she has to go in her cot (or a playpen would work too) Any toys she throws are confiscated on top of wardrobe and when she is having a good moment I really praise her and get them down again. She is definitely getting better and learning cause and effect.
When he wakes up at 6 does he cry? dd does for a few mins but if I leaver her she then goes back to sleep again and wakes up much happier
Lastly it sounds like you need a break! Do you have him full time? Can your Mum have him for an hour or 2 while you do something nice and relaxing?

[karen999]

Will you scream if I say it will get easier and it really is just a phase??

[SHEENA1]

I know the feeling my 22 month old dd is exact same past few months turned in to a complete nightmare tantrums ie bangin head off walls throwing stuff nearly smashed my window doesnt help that i am pregnant and only 6 weeks till my baby arrives try'd taking her out for walks but she will scream constantly the min i walk in to shops i am also at my wits end as she hates other kids being in her house . and when we are at grans house she is a perfect angel and does exactly as she is told

[llynnnn]

i was just about to post almost the same topic! i really feel for you angiebabes! my 17mth dd just threw the BIGGEST tantrum because it was time to leave m&t group! i was soooo embarrassed as she was just screaming and throwing herself on the floor while all the other little ones were getting their coat on like little angels! i try distracting her with toys, singing, juice etc but it all just makes her crosser! anyone have any magic tips that can calm a tantruming little madam down!?
I feel like she is used to getting her own way as she seems to always get what she wants. If I say no to her she just screams, have i lost control of her? she is a perfect angel for everyone else, its just me.

[jeanjeannie]

Hi Angiebabes - almosted posted something similar earlier on - my sympathies are with you. My DD who is usually so content (14mnths) has turned into a screaming, clingy howler - can't move to the other side of the room without full-on tears. Absolutely refuses to sleep during the day and is shattered by the time DP comes home - so is all quiet and wants cuddles then bed. It all started after she was really poorly over Xmas - and just got worse.

No tips I'm afraid-just wanted to sympathise. A nursery rhyme CD seemed to calm her down but now the CD player has broken ...AHHH!

[Angiebabes]

Hi everyone, and thanks for all your advice, I'm glad I'm not alone in having a "Damien" child!
When I tell him off for the way he is behaving, i.e when he throws stuff he just laughs at me, which only infuriates me more!!!!
I have him full time although he does go to nursery 2 haf days, but has not been well over Xmas so not been!!! I'm due to go back to work part time on Monday, 3 days, and tbh I cannot wait as don't think DH fully appreciates just how bad my days can be with him, my DH is VERY supportive, but he is out house from 7.30am until 5.30pm, so it can be a very long day if my DS is playng up, thing is, when we are out and about and he is in buggy he is so good, but weather these past few days has been horrific and I can't go out with him.
Anyone that said having a baby was hard work obviously never had a toddler!!!!!
The baby bit was easy, this is a nightmare!