Help - tantrum hell at 18 months

[Ekett]

My DD has always been strong willed but recently the temper tantrums have been getting out of control. Today she went on for an hour because I took the cover off the pushchair. She rolls on the floor, throws herself around, screams till she's hoarse and wants me to pick her up then fights to be put down. I'm 20 weeks pregnant and it's getting physiclly harder to deal with. Any advice - ignoring just doesn't seem to work, she has so much stamina. I'm reduced to tears on an almost daily basis - health vistors have been next to useless.

It's a bit mean and old fashioned but I put mine in her cot and walk away until we're both calm. Thankfully it has only happened a couple of times.

The first time it happened I tried 'the being understanding' etc, did what the book said and ended up with two hours of hell. You're pregnant give yourself a break. I've got very good at recognising the warning signs and distracting my DD with anything really, from wooden spoons to silly voices.

You know your baby best, hope this helps.

Thanks for that RachelMur. Unfortunately have spent so long trying to encourage good sleep association with cot that don't want to use it fo tantrums (also 2 steep flights of stairs up so pretty hard work!) but I think some kind of 'time out' might be worth it. Seems a little young to try it though - do they understand at this age?

Mine certainly does, only had to use the cot twice and she got the message, although now DD is 20months we're going to introduce the time out step. Should be good for a laugh, as I have an icorrigible minx on my hands.