Is my 15 month old already entering the "terrible twos"?

[sar302]

Im a SAHM with a 15 month old boy. Usually a very happy chap. For the last week, as soon as I leave the room he has started screaming hysterically, he's shaking and red in the face in a matter of seconds. Even if completely happy before, and I tell him "back in a minute" (which used to be enough.)

This is even on occasions when he can see me - ie, I'm in the kitchen and he's just the other side of the baby gate in plain sight - and I'm still chatting to him. When I walk back out of the kitchen, the hysterics instantly stop. Like a switch has been flicked. There are no tears, just absolute hysterical outrage (?)

Any ideas what's going on and how to respond??!

Separation anxiety. It’s a completely normal development phase and he’s at the peak age for it. It’ll probably calm down by the time he’s 2. For the kitchen scenario, try popping him in his high chair next to you with a few toys rather than leaving him on the other side of the baby gate.

Both of mine were terrible twos from around 15 months until they were four. They're lovely now but holy shit I've earned it.

Sounds like separation anxiety rather than terrible twos.

Terrible twos goes more like;

Toddler: Mummy.... banana please (looks pleadingly at you)

Mummy: Here you go here's your banana darling.

Toddler: Sudden apoplectic rage

Mummy: What's wrong? You said you wanted a banana. This us a banana.

Toddler: throws self on floor face down wailing for another 5 minutes

mummy: sigh.

toddler: mummy.... banana please

Ok, the separation anxiety does unfortunately seem to fit. The kitchen tip is good.

I shall do some research, but how did people generally manage this part? Am I supposed to take him everywhere with me? Or carry on as i have been previously and just accept that he will get upset for a short period? And then i can comfort him?

Presumably they need to learn that you will keep coming back for them, and then they eventually get past the anxiety?

Don’t hesitate to stick on an episode of Peppa Pig as a distraction if you want to pee in peace?! Other than that I don’t have much advice as mine was in full time nursery at this age. It will pass on its own, I don’t think before 2 they’re fully able to grasp that you’re coming back. Good luck!

@PuzzlingPuzzle Just discovered Hey Duggie, and peed in relative peace!!!

I think I could probably have left the house without him noticing 🤔