Is it always such a struggle?

[loveitwhenyouoooh]

I mean an actual physical struggle to get a toddler to do anything?!!

DS1 is 22 months and DS2 is 10 weeks. Recently DS1 has become really really difficult. Getting him to do anything is a total struggle, even things he likes. It takes ages to do anything.

For example this morning I asked if he wanted to go for a walk and he said yes. He loves getting out. While I was getting DS2 into his winter suit, DS1 began trying to poke him in the eyes. The more I told him to stop the more he tried until I was having to physically hold him back. Next I tried to get DS1 ready and get his boots on. He kicked, struggled, threw himself on the floor laughing hysterically the whole time. I actually had to hold him down just to get them on and still got his jacket to do...

Everything is like this - he'll say he's hungry but refuse to let me put a bib on him to eat. I refuse to let him eat without a bib and end up chasing him round the house to get the bib on. It just seems like everything is an endless battle.

Part of me is jealous that he can gain such fun and laughter from everyday tasks while the part of me just wants to scream!

Please tell me this is a normal toddler phase and that I haven't generated a teenager in a toddlers body!!

Sounds terribly normal.

Although it also sounds like he is battling for your attention - trying to poke DS in they eyes - that got your attention, didn't it?

With getting coat and boots on - try getting yourself and DS2 ready and heading out the door. (if you have time to do this)

Don't chase him around the house to put his bib on. Into high chair. Food when he has his bib on (although at almost 2yo - does he still need a bib?)

Choose your battles - is it important if he gets a bit of sauce on his tshirt? Let that one go.

My DS is 6yo and had a tantrum this morning about not wanting salami on his bread. So, it doesn't stop but is no longer several times a day.