Tantrums

[Lcw29]

My DS is 2 and the last week or so he has been very difficult. The odd tantrum has turned into every day battles and sometimes I really dont know how to deal with him!
It could be I say no to something or he has to wait, sometimes just getting his nappy changed without him kicking and laughing, or holding g my hand in a busy place etc...
I try to get to his level and be firm but I dont know what to do. I'm pregnant too so cant lift and move him as much.
How do you discipline a child that doesn't always understand what you mean? Yesterday was a long day of constant tantrums over little things. Its exhausting.

Sorry to hear you’re having a tough time.

Might it partly be a reaction to your new pregnancy? It’s very hard for a kid that age to understand but reading lots of books about new siblings etc might help your DS to understand better.

If you’re having to be firm all the time it loses effectiveness and gets stressful for you. Hammer the positive reinforcement. The slightest moment of non-tantrum gets a “thank you, I like spending time with you when you’re calm”. Plus lots of mini-rewards (but avoid phrasing it as a bribe) - “wow, you are playing with that toy really nicely, would you like a trip to the playground?” When a tantrum happens, reflect back the emotion and name it before getting firm “oh DS, you’re angry angry angry! You want to stamp your feet and make lots of noise! (Drop your voice little by little from now on) you feel angry that mummy wants you to wait, you don’t want to wait. We’re going to count to 5 together and then you can have x. Ready? 1.. 2.. 3..” etc.

It’s a long road. You’ll survive it! It gets much easier.