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Behaviour/development

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Do you ever feel as though you always get it wrong?

12 replies

Theclosetpagan · 25/10/2007 10:02

DS is being an utter nigtmare at the moment. I am honestly so embarrassed every time I take him out. He specialises in running off which is not a major problem when we are somewhere which is contained. For example we went to Crealy (Adventure Park in Devon) on Monday which was a safe environment so he could have free reign and had a great day.
Yesterday I took him to a Thomas Day Out at Swanage Railway (if you were there mine was the child screaming,shouting, kicking out and attempting to hit me because I wouldn't buy him a Thomas umbrella). I was so embarrassed as he kicked off in the shop and lay screaming on the floor - the shop assistants were looking and tutting (although when I made him go back in an apologise they did say to me "we felt so sorry for you"). He is such a loose cannon that I dread taking him to places where there are dangers because he runs off after - a ride on toy or something else which has his attention.
There was a further tantrum in Morrisons because I wouldn't let him push the trolley all by himself so he ran off again and hid - took me ages to find the little bas*ard (sorry for strong language but that's how he makes me feel at the moment). Eventually found him hidden in one of those trolley stores (where you put your trolley when having coffee in the restaurant bit).
TBH I just feel defeated, helpless and useless when I am out with him and he acts in this way. I just don't know what to do anymore.
On other occasions he is so good and I do praise and praise him when he's behaving so well.
He is nearly 5 so should be well beyond this now. I just wanted to cry last night as the day was fabulous but he ruined it with his behaviour.
Is he too old for one of those wrist link things do you think? I am sorely tempted at the moment.

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Are your children’s vaccines up to date?
hotcrossbunny · 25/10/2007 10:17

Poor you.
I would use a wrist strap tbh but I'm an old fashioned sort of a girl! It might shock him into realising his behaviour isn't on...but I'm sure it wouldn't be easy for you...
When dd was acting up I stopped taking her out for a few days, then we went out in five minute bursts. If she was good she got a treat and got to stay out longer the next time. My the end of the week she was a reformed character and I can take her pretty much anywhere
HTH

quickdrawmcgraw · 25/10/2007 11:02

I'd love to say put him in a wrist strap but I think he may just fall to the floor and have a tantrum (with you attached) and it may be worse for you.
I'd avoid taking him anywhere for a while.
If you can grocery shop online, do. Tell him he can't go anywhere unless he behaves the way you ask him to. Would the threat of being strapped into a buggy make him realise you mean business or do you already have another in a buggy?

You're not alone btw. dd liked to go off and hide and it used to drive me bananas. I took her to a shop once and when she went off I went out of sight but hid so I could see her. I left her just long enough to start getting upset and worried and then I 'found' her. She hasn't done it since.

Theclosetpagan · 25/10/2007 16:00

...and today when out he has been a total angel.
Lots of praise when out - so behaviour has deteriorated massively since we got home.

Am now sitting on MN and ignoring him.

DH is working away all week of course - lucky him.

Fed up with hubby
Fed up with DS
Fed up with life.

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ohmum · 25/10/2007 16:06

have a gin - works for me

Theclosetpagan · 25/10/2007 16:08

Nope - too early for gin. Have now re-engaged DS and he is watching Pingu - not sure if that is a good idea or not as Pingu has his "playing up" moments which DS thinks are hilarious.

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SqueeelyMeeely2 · 25/10/2007 16:08

never too early for gin!

XcupcakemummyX · 25/10/2007 16:11

sounds like my ds too

so good when the praise and encouragement are flowing

the other end of the scales if he feels left out

i am staying in a lot at mo

wish you lots of luck

SqueeelyMeeely2 · 25/10/2007 16:12

I am going through similar with my nearly 3yo, he has obsessive tendancies and if I read him wrong he will go into toddler meltdown. Am told it's normal, so biding my time for now, but i am so exhausted with having to remember the order he likes everything doing in, remembering NOT to do things for him, and if I forget and he goes into meltdown, having to deal with the consequences....

My sympathies, but no advice sorry!

XcupcakemummyX · 25/10/2007 16:12

snap to the pingu antics

SqueeelyMeeely2 · 25/10/2007 16:13

oh one thing, as soon as dh gets home, tell him he is taking over and go out shopping without DS - does wonders for the soul....

XcupcakemummyX · 25/10/2007 16:14

i love the peace and would prefer a day without milk than a meltdown in a shop when i am shattered

Theclosetpagan · 25/10/2007 16:24

Yep - already have a shopping day planned. DH escapes though as DS has just started school and will be there all day. Might have to do the shopping day at a weekend.

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