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Behaviour/development

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Toddler headbutting/slapping/screaming

1 reply

MrsCremuel · 16/07/2021 11:41

He is 26 months and usually very good natured with a bit of whinge here and there.

Recently he has become quite defiant. It reached a low today when he threw his head back and headbutted my chin very hard and I ended up biting my tongue and bleeding. I shouted pretty loudly from pain and shock.

Throwing head back and slapping is happening a lot now, mainly when we do things he doesn’t want to like getting dressed and brushing teeth. He cried and shouted so much last night he made himself sick when I tried to brush his teeth!

Example scenario: I will signal we will get him dressed soon. Then when it’s time I’ll try and get him involved with picking his clothes or whatever - no interest. I usually give a few chances then I tell him I’m picking him up and getting him dressed which I do - cue headbutt or slap. I can see it’s frustration but I don’t know what else do to - we haven’t managed to leave the house today because everything has been a protracted battle.

Currently he is refusing to nap after only 9hours sleep last night (usually had 10-11). Sleep seems to have also gone to pot with naps hit and miss and schedule all out. Unsure how to tackle it really.

I’m nearly 7 months pregnant and I work
4 days a week, husband has worked a lot recently and I’m feeling the strain. Dreading how I will cope with a newborn.

Any advice? Sad

OP posts:
Are your children’s vaccines up to date?
BunnyRuddington · 16/07/2021 17:17

So sorry about your tongue, that sounds really painful.

With the clothes thing, have you tried giving him Toddler's Choice? So you pick two outfits, both of which you think are suitable and you say would you like to wear this or this today?

At his age most aren't capable of choosing an outfit, the amount of choice is overwhelming but by giving them a toddlers choice they make one easy decision and feel in control.

I've heard good things about the book "No such thing as naughty" by Kate Silverton, which might help you.

These tips on juggling a newborn and a toddler might help as well.

You do sound a bit tired and stressed as well, quite understandably, have you got someone who can take him out for a few hours this weekend so that you can nap have a few hours to yourself?

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