RELENTLESS 2 YO

[FedUp120028]

I'm exhausted. He bites, kicks, headbutts, scratches. He actually takes his dummy out to deliberately bite me. I am starting to regret having him, resent him almost. My eldest was nothing like this, she was a breeze.

Tonight I am at the end of my tether. He has been awake since 2am kicking, screaming, crying. He just won't sleep, just when I think he's calming down, he starts booting off again! He did it last night too. Kept the whole bloody house awake while dozed off at 4am and slept till 10am. I just can't cope, feel like leaving him outside!!!!! He is good as gold as for every-fucker-else.

Sorry to hear this. I would be losing it too.

Has he always been like this? Otherwise it could be the 2 year old sleep regression where they may also display the behaviours above because of exhaustion and not being able to express it.It is hard but does pass if it is that.

The annoying thing with being a good parent is that kids are comfortable letting out all their emotions on you and not others. That doesn't really comfort you if they are gnawing off your arm at 3am though.

I am actually going insane. He did all night with 20mins break in between. I'm pleased to be rid of him for tody/tonight.

Not always, but I think a lot of it has to do with his lack or speech, but he only does it to me!

I was going to ask about speech, can he communicate? I’m also in the thick of terrible 2s so have sympathy!

Can his dad give you a break?

I don’t know if this is any help… but my son exhibited all of this behaviour at one time. During an episode of it, he would bite down hard on my shoulder when I picked him up. He would be screaming and crying incessantly and biting us or furniture in between spurts of high energy and rushing around. He hated going to sleep and would have us up all night. Teachers and grandparents couldn’t control him. We took note of what he was eating or being given to eat elsewhere and discovered that the aggressive side of things happened after eating Twister ice creams. I can’t remember what particular E numbers they had in them but we stopped allowing him anything with these in and this included cheap sweets they were given at school discos etc. I’m going back 30 years so I’ve no idea if any of this is still in children’s food but looking at your son’s diet might be worth it.

You poor thing, that sounds really hard. Is it the case that he doesn't yet have any speech? If so I would see if you can get assistance from a speech therapist. Early intervention can be really helpful with speech issues, and it's possible at least some of his behaviour is frustration at not being able to communicate.

Sounds like you're his safe space, but bearing the being of this kind of behaviour is so hard.

I'm sorry you're dealing with this - it sounds really difficult and I'm not surprised you feel at the end of your rope!

I would try to get some help for his speech - your health visitor or GP should be able to help here.
It does seem like he could be frustrated because he can't communicate yet but I know that isn't a consolation in the short term.

What about his sleeping arrangements? Is he still in a cot? If so, can you change to a toddler bed. Leave a water bottle within reach in case he gets thirsty.
Maybe some quiet music may help or a (different) night light.

Is he getting enough exercise and fresh air? My son did sleep at that age but was like the duracell bunny!! He had so much energy! So, during the day, we went out a lot - walking to the park/playing in the park/swimming etc.

Hang in there- it will get better!

Hahahahahahaha.

We have already been referred to SALT.

I just think last night I was at the end of my tether because it was the same the night before. It is probably because he is out of routine and overtired as he is just refusing to nap at the right time 😭😅. The domino effect from his danger nap on Monday! 3.45-6.15!!

I had this at 2. It was truly awful.

Hitting, scratching, biting, kicking, climbing, screaming all day long. Every nursery pick up I dreaded, because he’d lash out at other children and staff. Also had a lack of understanding when we spoke to him so consequences dont really work. Always the worst behaved toddler. All tests were fine. We’re at 4 now and it’s better.

For sleeping, could you stay with him in his bed? Or let him fall asleep in yours and take him back to his?

Park and soft play?

Solidarity, a lot of it will decrease over time.

We went to soft play yesterday! No such luck.

As for sleeping in his bed, he screamed when went near him, when I left the room was just pointing and screaming 😭

My son is the same, even down to spitting his dummy out to bite us! He’s even worse with his dad, as will just go over and smack him in the face too. I think it’s a mixture of boredom/frustration as if we aren’t out of the house by 9.30/10am his behaviour significantly deteriorates. He’s always been hard work so at least you’re not alone.

Anyway, he’s my first… and last!! 😂

We aren't at home so I will be interested to see how he is now we're going back. I think his teeth are hurting.

He's been like it for the last 3 nights. Everyone is shattered!