Please tell me I'm not the only one

[Bensmum76]

Hi all
Am feeling at my wits end with my 2 year old DS. Over the last week he has suddenly taken on all the toddler traits that we've been dreading. I am ok with the tantrums as tend to just ignore them until he calms down then go to him for cuddle then change subject. Its the constant battles and lack of attention span that I'm struggling with. I must have shouted at my DS a hundred times this morning and I've cried at least three times! He really is a wonderful little boy but I am really struggling when it comes to playing or any kind of arts and craft - he literally lasts one minute with each thing; he does half a puzzle, builds half a garage and generally flits from one toy to another. Does everyone find this with their two year old??

My tow year old is being exactly the same at the moment. She wants me to spend the day reading the same book over and over again, will not do anything alone and is constantly taking DD2 (6 months)'s toys away, so I end up with a bored 2yr old and a crying 6 month old.

Both are napping at the moment, am dreading the afternoon stint to be honest. It's tiring, and I really don't know how to keep her occupied for long enough for me to even go to the loo without her following me in there.

So no tips but you have my sympathies.

My DS is lucky enough to have a playroom but I do find myself putting away his toys as soon as he moves onto something else. Maybe this isn't helping!! I will take comfort in knowing other two year olds behave this way too.

try showing him how to play games.
set up the toys as an older child would, lie on the floor and make all the noises and voices.

tricky thing as the oldest child doesn't have a sibling to teach them how to play iykwim.

ps you aren't the only one

Thanx Devilsadvocaat - I never actually thought about teaching him to play!!! Something so simply that I've never thought about!!

I would read lots of stories-that way he gets your attention but has to concentrate on the stories. Make them fun-do funny voices and lots of expression. Discuss the picture and ask him what will happen next etc.

It is very normal behaviour.

I think you can 'control' it to an extent by insisting that you and he put away the abandoned toys before moving onto something new.

Oh my God I was just going to post the dame thing about my 2.5 year old. He has such a short attentuon span and I find myself getting irritated when he can't finish something or when he just starts chucking his jugsaw puzzle bits around instead of letting me help him do it. He has bags of energy and is very vocal but why oh why he can't puyt his energy to good use is beyond me! I get his play dough out and offer to play with him, it keeps him entertained for all of 2 minutes, same with painiting/ reading anything but TV really . I just struggle all day to actually interact and do anything with him because he just wanders around doind his own thing and not really acheiving anything no matter how much I try to get him interested. Glad I am not alone at least!

Hi Smiley Boy. Am glad to read to your post - good to know I really am not the only one. I have found in the last few days that if i leave my DS to play on his own while I do housework/cook etc he plays wonderfully and comes in to see me every few minutes to tell me what he's been doing. I have also just bought him a dinosaur car track toy from ELC - it cost £40 but boy was it worth the money. He has absolutely enjoyed playing with it and can't stop thanking me!! Its aged towards three years and up so am thinking maybe he has been finding his normal toys boring???