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Dread taking 16 month out :(

7 replies

EsmeDavina · 19/03/2022 16:46

My son is 16 months nearly 17 and I find him very unpredictable when we go out.

I don't know if it's 'normal' or not as he's my only child. I do have friends with children similar ages but they don't seem to have the same issues I do.

If we go a walk he will find something like a puddle and refuse to move away from it until I have to eventually take him away at which point he is kicking and screaming and then throws himself down and refuses to walk. I always let him explore things that catch his interest but I cannot stand at the same spot all day!!

He used to be so good if we were our for lunch and would happily eat or watch other people or play with a toy. Now he's a fight to get him into a highchair and if we manage he then spends the whole time trying to get back out or throwing food or screaming. You can distract him for a few minutes with a straw or a toy but I can't ever get a chance to eat.

Then if we go out to the park or a friends house trying to get him into the car seat or pram is such a struggle. He kicks and screams and he is strong! I find myself close to tears when other people walk past.

If we go to soft play centres he isn't interested really in the soft play he wants to escape or run to the exit door or the big kid area where he isn't allowed.

Today we took my son to the local beach for a nice family day but we were there 5 minutes and he refused to walk but didn't want carried and screamed until we eventually gave up and just went home.

Advice? Anyone feel similar?

OP posts:
Are your children’s vaccines up to date?
Felinewoman · 19/03/2022 17:38

Sounds like my 2 year old dd. I think screaming and kicking is their way of asserting themselves.
We discovered that she really likes being on the bike...maybe something to try?

aghhinlaws · 20/03/2022 02:59

For me it got better after 2.5 years old as I used to hate going out with ds at that age. It's still a struggle for restaurants but if I take activities or give him screen time I can go through a meal without having to take him out kicking and screaming but it is a lot better. I remember taking him to beach around that age but it was a cold day and he just wanted to get into the water and I had to pick him up kicking and screaming climbing up the pebble hills and sliding down literally I cried. I saw normal families with same age toddlers throwing pebbles into the waves having fun and me wrestling up hill through the pebbles with a kicking and screaming toddler where I just wished I had a more easygoing child. I feel for you op but it does get better.

liajay · 20/03/2022 10:19

That's all normal, I took my son to the park today after he got over the park he spotted a puddle and sat right in it before I could catch him. (He would of played in the puddle for a hour if I let him)Tantrum happened and we went home.

SuperSleepyBaby · 20/03/2022 21:46

Sounds totally normal! I have 4 children and went through this with all of them at that age. Its hard work!

Genevie82 · 21/03/2022 19:20

It’s all normal OP .. he’s just strong willed and entering early into terrible twos I’m afraid ! Brace yourself but it will pass by the time he’s 3 plus ( sorry!) xx

EsmeDavina · 22/03/2022 10:09

Thanks Everyone! At least I know he's not the only one.

OP posts:
Jannt86 · 22/03/2022 17:03

It all sounds quite normal. Just stay calm but be firm if you need to be and don't let him think that kicking and screaming will get him what he wants. However understand too that he's a baby and it's natural for him to be egocentric and to want to explore. Give him space where you can. Take all day to walk to the park once in a while and let him stare at that puddle for as long as he likes. Let him go on the big softplay. Mine was from this age and it didn't hurt her. In fact I'm a big fan of risk play. It's so important especially for this type of child. And remember he will get older and this will get easier. You've got this x

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