When does this turn from a tantrum into a concern?

[DementedToddler]

My usually sweet 18mo old has his moments, little tantrums, doesn't like the word no. Usually moves on ok after a few mins!

This morning no idea what set him off, just hysterics for ages. after half hour of failing to calm him down I put Peppa pig on and he cuddled up and watched it.

I turned it off once he'd calmed down for a little while, and it started again and has been going ever since. If I put him down and walk away he throws himself backwards and lies in that spot crying. He just won't stop. Won't eat, sleep, take a bottle or water. The timing seems tantrummy and I don't want to back down but at what point do I worry? He's never done anything like this before.

Sounds like he's in low-level pain and is able to ignore/cope when distracted and comforted. Teething? Earache?

Offer food, change nappy, give calpol, and have a cuddly day.

Hmm. My DC2 was the world class master at tantrums like this - BUT, she had form! I would be thinking he's maybe not feeling well? Have you checked temperature etc?

At 18 months, I'd just sit and cuddle him if you can.

I can't get him to sit and cuddle without giving in and letting the tv be on? I don't want to teach him that if he screams at me for 2 hours he can get what he wants as I can't take this happening more often.

Will give Calpol if he'll calm down long enough to let me. Thanks

@DementedToddler

I can't get him to sit and cuddle without giving in and letting the tv be on? I don't want to teach him that if he screams at me for 2 hours he can get what he wants as I can't take this happening more often.

Will give Calpol if he'll calm down long enough to let me. Thanks

He's been screaming for 2 hours - that's not a tantrum, something is wrong. Put the TV on if it calms him down.

Sometimes i think people forget that toddlers are people too! don't you sometimes have days where you feel sick and miserable and sad and just want to veg on the sofa?

If this is out of character and he doesn't normally have huge tantrums about tv time I'd assume he isn't feeling 100% and just wants to snuggle up and relax. Get some calpol, snacks, water cup etc and let him watch some tv having a cuddle. Once he's calm givebsome calpol and see if he wants something to eat or drink. You have to choose your battles and this doesn't sound like something that needs battling.

That doesn’t sound like a tantrum especially not without previous form.

He sounds unwell.
Hopefully some calpol and cuddles, and lots of tv will help.

Calpol and tv. Giving in once won't set a precedent. 2 hours is a long time for just a tantrum.

Sounds like pain, I'd let him carry on screaming while you get calpol then cuddle up with the tv on.

My DD who will be two in March is currently like this. The only thing that calms her is Peppa. She is teething I reckon as she is also biting everything she can get her hands on. She wouldn't even play outside yesterday she just wailed her little head off. Like others have said he obviously isn't feeling 100% so just do whatever you can to make him comfy and happy. It is draining though so I sympathise.