Advice for mum of very active boys

[cakesandchocolate]

DS1 is 2and a half and, whilst awake, is continually on the go. He has selective hearing down to a fine art and never ever does as he's asked first time. I feel like I am always threatening him with punishment to keep him in line. I think I am fairly consistent with boundaries but, as I say, have to be banging on all the time for them to be adhered to! Examples are - will not lie down to change nappy, when I get him down he will wriggle and kick (picture the scene with poo everywhere)- running off in shops - pushing toys into DS2's face, tummy, back.. (he's 7 months) - persistent in doing something I have asked him not to until we really fall out. I know (i think!)this all sounds like normal toddler behaviour but I do feel like I struggle with him more than other mums seem to with children of the same age. He does recognise when he has been mean or naughty and will readily apologise.With other people (other than me and dh) he is polite and sweet and does as he's asked!
Generally he has loads of energy runs and climbs everywhere, but can concentrate well with books/puzzles. He sleeps well (7.30 til 6.30 and an hour in the day which I have to wake him from)
DS2 seems to be following in his footsteps energy and activity wise - he's 7 months, doesn't sit still, has been crawling for a month and pulls himself to stand whenever he can.
I'm knackered!!!

they don't get nay better either, make sure you programme in (what will seem to you) excessive amounts of varyiong sports in order to reduce the energy level sufficiently for them toi sit down at school

oops apols for typing - 2nd glass of wine syndrome

Have you tried asking your LO to stand up when you change his nappy? Maybe he doesn't like the association of lying down like a baby when he's starting to feel like a 'big boy'?

Another idea for nappy changing - I change ds's nappies with him standing up, leaning against a chair / side of bath in the bathroom with a book to look at. I could never get him to lie still with a pooey nappy to contend with..

x-posts!

ds is 2 3/4 and has been a running monkey since 1 year old! very active! (people and family refer to him as 'being a handful'!) but he's just very active and keeps me active as a result.
lots of fresh air and outside run time is what keeps us sane. and keeping the indoors activities new and different (not drawing everyday, not legos everyday) and rotating his toys. also i praise him when he does sit still for an activity (he LOVES doing jigsaws).

it's definitely normal, but if you have concerns, talk to your GP. chances are they'll tell you the same

enjoy your active little ones!

Like some other posts - we have always said it is like having puppies and they need to have two runs a day.
Otherwise, dancing is good - loud music, funky dancing and have you go room for a trampoline - even a samll 'tramoplette?' burns of a lot of energy.
As he now has a little brother you can emphasise all the thing DS1 can do that the baby can't. I always felt i was labouring it too much, but my DS1 never got tired of hearing that 'baby can't do that - isn't it great that i've got a big boy who can put the washing in the machine' etc - lots of tasks he can do that hte baby can't.
Also - squirrels - good fun. We had hours of amusement feeding them nuts (cheapo in shell from tescos etc - they take off the shells and nibble them)and when that novelty wears off - chasng them.
I was always amazed that we rarely saw other toddlers out in the park/woods running around - only in pushchairs...

Sympathise with Op, been ther done it , the tee shirt and still doing it. I have two boys age 6.5 and the other one nearly 5.

As everyone has said they need exercising like dogs - everyday.

however when your sons are a bit older they will keep each other amused and will play some fantastci games in the garden togethr, shouyld be able to kick a ball round together and give you some rest.

beware that aswell as needing exercise like dogs they will also have an appetite like one ! My 6 yr old can eat for England , but he burns it all off and is growing rapidly.

In the meantime get out into open space and let 2.5 yr old run around , dont forget though to encourage postive behaviour aswell by praising when he is good.

My youngest was climbing and crawling along the climbing frame before he could walk so I know how you feel abut the youngest one !

Re the nappy cahnging - I dont know what nappies you use but if you use disposaable then are you using pull - ups , most of the time he wont have to lie down and he will feel like a 'big' boy .

HTH

Thanks all.
Use pull ups already so only have to battle with the cleaning part!
Think I need to be more organised with toy rotation and using my imagination a bit more. Had a great success with making a 'house' out of washing rack and sheets this morning - kept him amused for ages, though I did have to get in it myself quite a few times!
Reassuring at least to know there are plenty others like my two!
Kookaburra - know what you mean re toddlers in pushchairs!

May be its time to potty train.