Two year old tantrums

[DinoHat]

I think we have just hit the terrible twos. But my god it’s exhausting. DS is very independently minded and always has been, he’s inquisitive, active and generally full of energy.

His speech isn’t brilliant but it’s progressing. I think this might impact his tantrums.

I don’t think his tantrums are outside the realms of normal - childminder said it’s just him testing the boundaries - but they’re so exhausting.

He is either a happy little delight or a demon child. No inbetween. He gets really fixed on objects - at the moment it’s my lip balms and he just won’t give them up. If they’re not a hazard I’ll let him carry them but other times I need to take things off him.

It’s really difficult to stop an activity he enjoys, like the park or playing with a hose in the garden.

Any tips or otherwise just sympathy. I’m pregnant too and so lacking energy!

I mostly remain calm, try to redirect or if we’re past that him. I’ll go back for cuddles when I think it’s time. If he’s not ready I’ll leave him again.

I think you may be right about the speech. I found with mine that the tantrums improved when they could speak more, teaching them some signs seemed to help as well.

Is he just 2? It might be worth doing the ICan Progress Checker for speech and understanding, just to check that he's more or less where he should be. If he's very fixated on things, it might also be worth doing the mchat test.

Thanks @BunnyRuddington I know he’s not quite where he should be. I contacted the HV and he’s had a hearing test. But he is still making progress so HV said wait until his 2 year check. His comprehension and understanding is very good. It’s just his speech in isolation. I will see what they say at his two year check and find a private SALT therapist if recommended. I’m mindful of it, but happy he’s making progress.

He’s just about to turn 2.

I did the mchat test. I don’t have any concerns re autism. We have an older child with SEN so am very aware of the flags.