Angry, frustrated 18 month old

[BelJo]

Hi all, My 18 month old is clingy, needs constant attention or she screams and starts scratching or pulling things off tables etc. She turns this on her elder sister (4yrs) too, which is tough as she adores her. I'm just getting really worn down by it - she's fine if she's getting her own way, but when she doesn't - crying, throwing herself on the floor... Confusion as to whether giving her what she wants will reinforce this behaviour - ? Basically, any advice gratefully received! She's just so different from her older sister, who is placid and good-natured. Many thanks!

Is she talking much yet? I remember my two were both harder work about that age, and I put it down to frustration at not being able to communicate. Hope it improves soon.

BelJo no advice but sounds exactly like my two DDs, they are the same age too!!

Thank you, everyone - it's such a common thread, so thank you for taking the time to reply. It's just so upsetting when your genuinely 'D' D pushes all your buttons at once :) I think remembering it's often about communication is key, and useful, so thanks. 'This too shall pass'

Hello. My 18 month old has just come out of a month of this kind of thing. Tantrums at everything. It took me an hour once to get him in the pram for nursery. When I got there I burst into tears in front of the 17 year old apprentice! But it has improved. Possibly down to more sleep training and possibly down to firmness with tantrums, we just put him on the playmat so he can't hurt himself and walk away. We have focused more on playing together too. My DS has no words yet so possibly a frustration in communication.

Thanks, Rosebell100 - yes, I realised I've been looking at eldest daughter's attention needs and not so much my youngest, so have corrected that and she does seem happier. Plus walking away from the tantrum (within reason). Ho hum - it does seem to be an age thing.

Have a lovely Christmas, everyone (no irony intended ;) )