20 month old behaviour making me so mad

[momneedsadviceplz]

My 20 month old is usually manageable. But to be honest, some days I just lose the will. Today, he hasn't slept, whinging, demanding, won't go to bed, slapping me, pulling hair, throwing things, climbing on everything. Laughs when I tell him off. Feel like I'm gonna BLOW. Tonight I'm done. Is this normal behaviour. Just looking for someone to tel me I'm not alone. Fed up with Dh coming home from work with no patience when I've had a day from hell. Surely he should take over? Left him in bed to cry which I never do but I honestly am fed up.

It sounds as though you've got a lot to deal with and I can't imagine how hard it is having a toddler in lockdown.

First thing I'd try and do is to tackle the hitting and hair pulling, that's more than you should have to put up with.

If he's not napping, will be nap in the pushchair, car or in your bed with you?

As fir DH can you tell hm how you are feeling and get him to take DS out at the weekend while you go fir a walk with a friend or just sleep have some time for yourself?

It's pretty normal which to me is a relief because it will pass. However I will be honest and say it's not going to pass for a bit. Make sure you can get some sleep, give him sensory things to do like play doh or making foam or water play as that will help with some of the urges where he hits. Make sure you empathise with him that he's having a tough time. It's a very difficult age, my youngest is 2y9m and he is pinching and scratching his brother. I hope it eases for you and you can get some support from husband / friends / family

When I get that bubbling anger feeling with my toddler I always try and just change the scenery - even if it’s just saying “right let’s take this ball in the hallway and roll it to each other”, or “let’s go and read a book in the bedroom” just anything to get out of the stressful situation, change the focus and give the toddler something to redirect their energy on. Or sometimes i’ll just go and open the backdoor and she’ll come running wanting to go out, and I watch her run about in the yard while I make a cup of tea then go and join her. By the time kettle has boiled i’ve had a minute to calm down! On days like that I do an easy tea eg omelettes and beans, soup and cheese sandwich or something from the freezer, minimum fuss. Early bedtime for everyone and try again the next day! I try and get out on a walk by myself once a week or so for an hour with headphones in and I always feel better after that and more able to cope. It is a hard life stage though, it really is.

Thank you everyone. He seems happier this morning but we will see. X