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Normal 18 month behaviour

2 replies

kitkey · 19/11/2010 07:16

My 18 month is so demanding - he is exhausting. He is loving, funny and delicious but sometimes i despair. He is quite anxious and if his brother (3yo) even touches hims he dissolves into a mess, sometimes when i leave the room to go upstairs he screams like he is being murdered, same if he doesn't get his own way. He often drags me from room to room in the house for no real reason. He hates me doing something with DS1 and often screams murder. He falls over - cue terrible screaming. He doesn't really settle playing for more than 10 mins before he is after more attention. The car on journeys more than 15 mins is a nightmare as he starts whinging for attention He says a lot of words and follows instructions but he is so highly strung. Once he gets an idea in his head that is it - it has to be done - eg he has to a have a biscuit/ banana or go in a certain direction to look at something etc. He hasn't settled very well at nursery and is same with other kids as he is with DS2. Don't get me wrong - him and DS1 do have some wonderful moments of brotherly companionship but more often than not there is crying. Same with other kids at playgroups he likes smiling at them from a distance but if they come near - meltdown. Is this a phase? - can't remember DS1 being like this - he was a naughty whirlwind but is calming down - he certainly wasn't so attention seeking. DS2 has always has a lot of attention as when he was born DS1 was happy as larry to sneak off and find trouble while I breastfeed and paced with the colic. He has always needed a lot of input and as young baby would not be left alone at all but it is not improving yet. Sorry for absolute rant had a EPRC for mmc on wednesday so am a wreck and DH back at work and on own with kids all day feeling on a knife edge (another rant)!!

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Are your children’s vaccines up to date?
Zoidberg · 19/11/2010 10:11

Really feel for you, you have a lot going on there. But yes, in my experience with 19 month old DD, normal for some babies about this age. Sorry, I have no suggestions that can help but wanted to sympathise.

DD is delightful when she's with me or DP and when she gets the book/song/toy she's asked for. If not cue sit down and wail. She can't always articulate what exactly it is she wants / is bothering her and that is frustrating for all. Recently I've tried cuddling and telling her I hear her, I know she wanted x and if there's a reason she can't have x then I offer her something else, distraction works more often than I would have thought in these situations. However she is an only so I have no idea what you do when there are 2.

emmasfabulous · 21/11/2010 21:15

My DS17months is exhibiting the same behaviour that you both speak of. It's actually a relief to hear as I am beginning to worry he has ADD or something. It's like he goes from an angel to a devil and back again in an instant!

My only concern is that his vocabulary seems limited compared to yours and other posters' children. He says Dad, Mum (very rarely), Charlotte & duck. Possibly also says cat & yes and babbles a lot things no-one can understand. Maybe this adds to his frustration?

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