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How can I turn around a grumpy toddler day?

7 replies

WheresTheAuPair · 05/06/2008 12:33

Since the moment my DS (19 months) has woken up its been a series of tantrums and strops today!

Managed to get wet nappy changed with raspberry blowing and tickling and him out of his PJ's. Did get some smiles but mainly grumpiness.

after brekkie I played with him in garden but nothing was making him happy and the slightest thing setting off a 'no' session.

Took him for a walk on his reins to post a letter. Upon coming home he collapsed in a screaming heap. Tried ignoring him and waiting it out but after 10 mins gave in and carried screaming kicking toddler home.

he then followed me round the house moaning and crying while I made lunch. Playing with water in the sink worked for a while...

Lunch made him happy...then me wanting to change his pooey nappy was obviously a terrible thing (cue- lots of 'no's and screaming).

Aaarghhhhhh. days like this I wonder why on earth i'm having a second one. Managed to stay calm and resist the urge to snap and shout at him but he really is wearing me down today.

Decided to ban the TV during the day last week as he was becoming really whingy and demanding. TBH i've never really felt happy about having it on and he has improved since i've restricted it to 30 mins a day. He has been to the library this week and got loads of lovely books but nothing seems to be working today.

We are out and about most days but today decided to have a quiet morning and get stuff done but so far its been a nightmare.

any tips?

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EffiePerine · 05/06/2008 12:35

Take him outside. DS has a tolerance level of about an hour indoors before he starts whingeing.

Or if you have a garden, give him a bucket of water and a load of bowls and let him get wet . You could colour the water and add bubbles if you're feeling creative...

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scattyspice · 05/06/2008 12:36

Perhaps he's under the weather/coming down with something. Try taking him out in the buggy, he might just want to sit and watch the world go by.

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EffiePerine · 05/06/2008 12:37

he does sound tired - take him out in the buggy and he may fall asleep? You might get a quiet coffee in

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MegBusset · 05/06/2008 12:42

Could be teeth? DS was like this yesterday morning, still grumpy after his nap, we gave him some Calpol and he had a much cheerier afternoon.

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WheresTheAuPair · 05/06/2008 13:08

i've just put him down for a nap after some stories so hoping for a mood change when he wakes up!

He's been waking up at 3/4am all week screaming? Because of this he seems to be sleeping later in the morning and grumpy when he wakes up. I had to get him up at 9 this morning!!

I did wonder about teeth- he's not particularly dribbly or red at the mo tho?

Will try the water trick later I think. Its such a nice day it seems a shame to waste it feeling grumpy! (him not me! lol)

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EffiePerine · 05/06/2008 13:09

DS also waking at 5ish and wanting to go back to sleep by 8 (he's 20 mo). I think it's developmental plus early signs of molars as he's chewing on his hands a lot.

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WheresTheAuPair · 05/06/2008 13:14

its proper screaming at 3/4am. I wondered if it was teeth or nightmares? The only way i can settle him back down is with milk and cuddles.

The only plus side is that I get a major lie in (9am!) mind you- i frequently find it hard to get back to sleep after his 4am shenanigans. He's got 2 molars already...that's a thought.