My son is 2 and a half and is the most loved, incredible little boy but he is testing us, especially at the moment. He's always been very switched on, like one step ahead but has never been easy and has always got very frustrated over things. He is very destructive around the house, for instance, he will throw over plant pots on purpose or take off drawer handles! He can be very hyperactive and apart from when he's asleep or maybe poorly, he just can't ever stay still. He's a runner (I wouldn't trust him walking near roads at all), he's a climber (climbs up kitchen units, cupboards, radiators) and still puts things he shouldn't in his mouth. If we play in the garden, he'll instanting go to the shrubs with berries on and try to put them in his mouth whilst looking at us.
We tell him no, a lot it feels like, but also praise him lots too. I don't believe in time out at this age so we don't do that but we do ignore which can work sometimes. He has tantrums a lot and fortunately they are short lived but are quite frequent. I'm finding him to be physically harder. He's tall for his age and when he kicks out, it's not fun!
Myself and my partner are both anxious, highly strung people and I wonder if my son is the way he is because of his genetics. It wouldn't surprise me if one day, someone suggests possible adhd. I'm a teacher and have taught a lot of children with challenging behaviour but have never thought anything of it. Now it's my own child, I feel out of my depth.
One thing I'm finding hard is taking my ds out with friends and their children. He is the wild, defiant one and the other seem so much more compliant. If I went to the beach with friends, I can guarantee that my ds will be the one to go straight into the sea fully clothed. He wouldn't be content with playing in the sand or paddling. It's almost like he's a toddler adrenaline junkie!! He always wants to take things to the next level.
I feel unfair saying all this as I do also love my ds's spirit, humour and individualality. He's a character! But it is exhausting and draining. Sometimes I feel like other toddlers are so much easier, then it's the whole, what am I doing wrong thing?!! Quite often I'll see parents and toddlers walking along by a road with the toddler free to walk without holding hands. Or just sitting on a chair with out being strapped in.
Does anyone else have a naturally wild, hazardous toddler? It feels like it's just us sometimes. Please share any experiences and stories. xx
P.s. I do also think that a year of on/off lockdown, and we had to sheild for a while, has made a difference to his behaviour too. Especially the destructive behaviour around our small house.