Toddler tantrums.

[PandaMummyofOne]

Hi all,

So my 2 year old DS has started hitting the terrible twos tantrums. This in itself is not an issue, albeit a little embarrassing at times. The problem is the way people (read family) are handling this.

He goes to nursery two day a week, spends two days a week with either nannies and then one day with me. DP and I have chosen to use naughty corner/step for when he is being naughty etc and this works for us. The problem is nannies. Specifically MIL. She refuses to discipline him using any method let alone our chosen method, buys/gives him anything he wants. If she says no he throws a tantrum and she gives in. In at my wits end. Today he threw no less than 8 temper tantrums and hit another child at nursery because they told him no.

I get him into good habits and used to one thing and then it's all gone again by the time he's spent one day there. Talking to her does not work.

Can you afford nursery for the extra 2 days (or one at a push but I'm guessing MIL wouldn't take missing out to well??)? If not and discussing it with her hasn't helped I'm not sure there's a great deal you can do-free childcare is a big favour and although it must be crap you might just have to suck it up. From your MILs point of view it is just sooo much easier to give in and let them have what they want, does she find it hard to cope?? Maybe try and focus on the long term with her, it will make him harder to look after in the long run if he's allowed to get away with everything now??

Thanks Nicky. I've tried explaining this too her and she just doesn't get it. I'm so appreciative of the fact they do have him and do us this huge favour, another two days until his free hours kick in just isn't affordable. I'd be better off leaving work. I'm at a loss as to what to do at the minute. I wouldn't mind if they tried their own method, whatever worked for them, but not just giving in.

If this carries on he's going to be a nightmare when he's older isn't he? DP won't say a word, using the excuse well she's 77, we don't know how long she has left with him.

repeat, it's only until September, it's only until September

Very difficult - I'd be really annoyed but if you really need the childcare I don't know what you can do? Your DH needs to step up, really!

Would your mum do the extra day instead? Or would that rock the boat too much?