2.8 year old DD driving me mad!

[Greedypiggy]

Hi! This is probably my second thread. I'm usually a lurker. I have a 2.8 year old DD who was, until recently, a very well behaved, sweet and loving girl with an occasional tantrum, but usually good. I thought I had bypassed the whole nightmarish toddler tantrum stage. But recently, maybe a couple of weeks, she doesn't want to nap anymore and would fight sleep with all her might. We recently did a 3 hour car journey with her not having a wink! Also, she refuses food, can remain hungry for hours, and generally having severe tantrums with her crying on the top of her voice for ages. i try not to notice, but it goes on forever and in the end, I end up shouting at her, which I really don't want to do! The tantrums come for no reason at all, or very trivial things.

I have tried everything, she doesn't understand the concept of time out. I think she ends up scaring herself with her crying and wants a hug, and then it becomes ok until the next time. I am becoming very stressed, and since she doesn't go to nursery yet, it is becoming very difficult to pass the whole day with me on my own with her. i have no family here and DH works shifts, although he helps as much as he can when he is there.

Sorry for the long post, but I really want to know what to do, and I hope you lovely experienced mums out there would help me.

[Greedypiggy]

Thanks flicktheswitch, I do sometimes feel as if she'll grow up and remember all this and resent me for shouting at her. I feel like I'm not a good mum and I was not made for having kids as I'm not patient enough. I would love to have another baby in the near future and I question my ability to be able to take care of two children!

[Greedypiggy]

Ability to be able?? My ability to take care of two children.

[SenoritaViva]

It is quite normal for her to want to drop a daytime nap now at this age IME so don't worry about that.

I actually found the same with DD now 4. 2 was relatively breezy, but 3 year old tantrums hideous!!!

Try putting her in a room to have her tantrum and when she is ready for a hug and consoling do so. When she is calm explain to her that 'Mummy doesn't like it when you have a tantrum' etc. Remember, when they lose it you cannot reason with them.

You will get through this. Actually if you had another child you're time would be split and you'd be fine!

It does pass!

[Greedypiggy]

Thanks for your replies. I really do appreciate you taking time to read and reply to my post. It helps to know that I'm not alone in this. If only I had an idea of how tough parenting is going to be! Actually she has been better this evening, hope it continues!