My LO is 20 months (approaching 21 months) and is mostly a loving, happy, chilled toddler, who is amazing. But, the past two weeks have seen him have the most explosive 'tantrums' - not hitting/kicking/biting (although he does smack/bite on occasion and thinks it's funny, he doesn't do it from anger or frustration as yet), but screaming and crying/whining. The worst has been two nights this week when he has woken up about 3 hours after going to sleep, then been awake for 2.5-3 hours, about half of which he was screaming because I wouldn't take him downstairs to play. He was screaming when we went swimming today when there were no demands and he could go where he wanted!
He has also taken to wanting to be carried when we're out - doesn't want the pushchair, doesn't want to walk, wants to be carried...he's an 80th centile kid, he's heavy in this hot weather!
I know the heat isn't helping. I know that his lack of speech isn't helping (he has amazing receptive language and understands almost everything that is said to him, but only a few identifiable words - he 'chats' all the time to us though), and he is definitely starting to get frustrated he doesn't have the words he wants and needs. I'm also fairly certain there is an element of teething in the mix for good measure. But my life, the screaming is taking it's toll...
I am very much doing the 'stay calm - name feelings - hold the boundaries - reassure' line of things, but please reassure me this is entirely typical...and that it's not going to last for another 18 months...!!
Or, that it's not typical and I need to start looking for support, either will be appreciated!