To be in tears over how destructive my 2.5 year old is?

[AngeloMysterioso]

So far today, he has:

-Smashed a soap dispenser bottle I bought three weeks ago to replace the last soap dispenser bottle he smashed

-Opened a new packet of wet wipes and pulled out every single one

-Got all the bagged toys out of the toy box (I separate things like puzzle pieces, little toy cars, wooden blocks etc into the big zip lock bags so they’re easy to find) opened every single bag and chucked the contents on the floor (without playing with any of them)

-Opened a new storage box I bought last week for his toy trains, emptied it all over the floor, and then jumped up and down on the empty box until it cracked and broke

-Poured fruit juice all over the coffee table and splashed it everywhere with his hands, so now it’s also all over the carpet

-Taken all the sofa cushions off the sofa, unzipped the covers and pulled all the stuffing out.

I just sat down and wept. We’ve got a very small home and three DC, and I’ve been working so hard to make it a nice space for us in spite of how cramped it is, but my day to day existence just seems to be going from one mess or broken thing to another. I just feel like giving up.

Fuck me, you are just determined to stick the boot in aren’t you?

Does it occur to you that, with 3 children, one being a small baby, I cannot be in all places at all times?

Please could you go and should all over someone else.

BY ME NOT BEING IN THE FUCKING ROOM.

Sometimes I have to change nappies. Sometimes I have to clean up a different mess. Sometimes I am engaging with my eldest child because he exists as well. Sometimes I’m on the fucking toilet.

Seriously, take your superiority complex elsewhere.

Who says we’re sitting, watching, allowing?

Please, I beg you. Go away.

Stick him in a playpen?

@Bignanna tbh I don't even remember since it was around 10 years ago. Nothing to replace, just a pain in the arse to clean.

She also did the whole tipping down boxes of toys everywhere, normally just as I finished tidying them .

Yeah it was annoying and frustrating and a lot of work, but it wasn't the end of the world. I can say that now since I'm so far removed from the situation.

He is NOT a destructive toddler. He's a normal, curious toddler with some impressive fine motor skills!

I'm an adult and most child locks/baby gates baffle me.

He’s a toddler, keep stuff out of reach and don’t leave him out of sight or unsupervised. He could have come to harm when jumping on box etc. try a play pen in same room as you? Take him everywhere with you.

I had two like this at once (twins)

In the summer I used to lock us all out in the garden, so nobody could go inside.

Take the potties out as well and a chair to sit in and bob's your uncle.

We had a water table and a sandpit and so so many outside toys

Ok. I’m bowing out now. I was already having a tough day and there seem to be a few posters who want nothing more than to keep telling me I’m a shit mother, and since they’re having too much fun laying in to me to leave it there, I’m going to.

My thanks to those who made actual helpful comments and suggestions.

OP I don’t think that people are having fun laying into you. You need to be with your toddler, don’t leave him on his own with stuff he can get into. Either put him in a safe space, like a play pen. or take him with you when you leave the room to sort baby, pee, whatever.

I understand OP. Similar here. It’s so hard. ❤️

I’m so sorry you’re dealing with this, anyone would be upset and overwhelmed. My 2yo is very similar. I put them to play in the garden quite often as I don’t mind that being a tip (me in kitchen with french doors open) don’t know if that’s an option for you.

Why are you still here?

Are you enjoying making me feel like crap?

If not, given that I’ve asked you to stop it and leave me alone…

why are you still here?

Just want to respond to the ‘supervision’ comment that her child would become very upset/ tantrum if she micromanaged each playtime taking all items out of their hands and telling them ‘no’ constantly!

Also children this age need independent play for development.

Why won’t you go away?

Why?

You’re enjoying telling me I’m shit.

He’s curious, but also destructive! Very difficult to deal with, when you also have a baby to care for.

@AngeloMysterioso

1.Don't sweat the small stuff.

1. Pick your battles.

1. Offer opportunities for him do his thing in ways that are acceptable and easier for you to manage.