Are your children’s vaccines up to date?

Set a reminder

Please or to access all these features

Behaviour/development

Talk to others about child development and behaviour stages here. You can find more information on our development calendar.

a worried and sad mum to a 15mo

84 replies

MikeTheShite · 28/12/2013 08:33

hello,
I am desperately searching for advice regarding my 15mo dd. I am a single mum and so far she's been a delight.
I had her in a great routine of 12-2.30pm nap and 6-30-8am bedtime.
Lately however she's refused to go to bed and has been up at 4am. She was in a toddler bed perfectly but last night I had to drive her around our village to get her off, that was 8, up at four.
That however isn't what is worrying me most. Its the tantrums. She throws she hits and she bites, only me and no one else has witnessed it. She was awful Christmas day and she laid on the floor screaming for nearly a hour, banging her fists after being told no for throwing.
Yesterday in the car I picked her up from her Paternal grandparents who said she had been an angel and put her in the car for a two hour trip at her nap time.
She slept for twenty minutes and woke. she sat screaming everything I passed her she threw, she emptied milk all over the seat. She pulled the straps and twisted around to get out. I stopped three times in twenty minutes and ended up crying myself. my only option in the end was to drown her out.
I don't have family close by to take her my real break is naptimes, she sees her dad 48 hours a month. I'm full of cold and feel ill. I suffer with depression and axiety which I am medicated. im so embarrassed to write this and its taken a lot so please don't flame me. I apologise for the length of this, I just feel such a failure.

OP posts:
Are your children’s vaccines up to date?
MikeTheShite · 30/12/2013 06:00

This morning it was 3.45 after a 6.50 bedtime and good afternoon nap.
End of my tether just doesn't sum it up. She's had milk and calpol but just won't go back down. She's exhausted but won't let me help

OP posts:
JingleJohnsJulie · 30/12/2013 07:28

Did she go back to sleep in the end?

MikeTheShite · 30/12/2013 09:04

only just

OP posts:
RandomMess · 30/12/2013 11:14

I would give her some calpol before you go to bed - I usually manage to rouse mine enough to give it with syringe without waking them up properly.

MikeTheShite · 30/12/2013 11:50

random- I did that. Sad

Shes asleep again at the moment

OP posts:
AnUnearthlyChild · 30/12/2013 12:07

Oh god. This stage is so hard.

You are doing BRILLIANTLY

I remember the desperation I felt when dd was ready to drop a nap but I wasn't!

The mumsnet mantra of 'this too will pass' helped me enormously.

RandomMess · 30/12/2013 12:34

I really don't think she is ready to drop her nap altogether at 15 months.

How does she usually go to sleep, does she self settle - you put her to bed awake and she falls asleep by herself?

MikeTheShite · 30/12/2013 16:08

usually yes random or she will crawl down and go to bed herself Smile

OP posts:
RandomMess · 30/12/2013 21:37

It is really odd that she is suddenly sleeping so badly Sad

MikeTheShite · 31/12/2013 12:51

I can't understand it either? 4am this morning and a nap 8-30 to 9-30 I've just put her down again but I can hear her talking to her bears

OP posts:
MikeTheShite · 31/12/2013 12:56

We have been away for a few days but this started before that and its to a place she always sleeps well and knows.
We are home now and judging by her reaction and our dogs reaction when we picked him up from the other gps I am wondering if its being separated from our dog that has prolonged the sleep issues as we haven't had him since boxing day.
To say they were delighted be reunited is a understatement. Hes currently sat at her bedroom door waiting...Grin

OP posts:
RandomMess · 31/12/2013 18:33

We have this issue with our 8 year old and the cat. She doesn't like being on her own and finds it very difficult to go to sleep without the cat in bed with her, fortunately the cat is very happy to oblige...

MikeTheShite · 01/01/2014 08:40

8am this morning. Dog one side Stair Gate and dd the other.
I have my answer don't I?

OP posts:
RandomMess · 01/01/2014 08:53

Aw bless Grin

MikeTheShite · 01/01/2014 11:13

She's back in bed now!! Dog laid at side. Cant quite believe it, he must be her comfort. Very guilty feeling mum.
GPs said dog was same with them very unsettled.
Not had a tantrum for two days...

OP posts:
RandomMess · 01/01/2014 14:10

Blimey, they clearly are best mates. If you can afford it I would suggest getting a 2nd younger dog so hopefully you will never be completely dogless.

MikeTheShite · 01/01/2014 14:21

ah he's still quite young luckily 3, with a long life span (Parsons) so hopefully never loose him.
It's just unfortunate our family and relations have cats Hmm

OP posts:
RandomMess · 01/01/2014 16:16

Ah perhaps they can come and stay with you and leave the cats behind Grin

MikeTheShite · 01/01/2014 18:23

I think thats a much better idea! Will see how she goes tonight. Still no tantrum!
It was either a quick phase or the dog Smile

OP posts:
Authentique · 01/01/2014 18:47

I'm glad it's better now. It could be an early phase of the terrible twos, in which case I'd not be worried.

MikeTheShite · 01/01/2014 18:48

Thank you everyone for their help Smile

OP posts:
KatieScarlett2833 · 01/01/2014 18:48

Possibly the cutest thing I've ever read on here. What a lovely bond they have. (Sniff) Smile

Ineedmoretinsel · 01/01/2014 19:18

Hi mike, as a parent of 3 fiesty girls I just wanted to say I picked up on your comment about her not wanting to go in the buggy. It sounds like you find it hard work pushing the trike too.

I think you should just put her in the buggy and start walking, especially if you have the dog too. I am pretty certain that even if she kicks off to start with she will get distracted after a few minutes.

You could start reintroducing the buggy at snacktime so she has a little something to take her mind off going in.

Obviously this is only my opinion but the buggy could be your saviour for napping and will allow you ti have a bit of a break while you push.

Good luck what ever you decide, you sound like you are doing a great job and this is not a critism Smile

MikeTheShite · 01/01/2014 19:28

Yes! buggygate is a serious issue. The trike is awful in this weather. The buggy has a pack of hobnobs in the basket. She hates it.
I use both a stroller and a quinny both ways and its met with misery.
Maybe I am not helping by avoiding the buggy!
Thank you for the suggestions!
I try letting her toddle a bit but that makes it even worse!
will give your suggestions a go. Thank you

OP posts:
Ineedmoretinsel · 01/01/2014 19:45

It is really hard but I really think that if you stand firm you will get her back in the buggy.

Love buggygate by the way Smile

I am very much into choosing your battles but for me the buggy would be one I would take on especially for the winter months.

Remember it can take upto two weeks to introduce new routines/rules so dont give in too quickly.

If you have some tough moments pm me I am always around at some point during the day but not always on this board.

I was a single mum to Dd1 for 2 years so I do know how hard it is.

Stay strong and be kind to yourself Smile