Twins and tantrums

[fishburglar]

One of my 19 month old twin boys is having major tantrums - literally crying most of the day (or should I say screaming). Which means the other twin and my 3 and a half year old boy don't get any quality time. Infact no one gets any quality time - its shit!

What do I do???

Is he ill ?
Or teething ?
He's quite young to be having tantrums for no reason I'd be inclined to think he's ill or fighting something off.

My two (boy/girl) both started with the tantrums around that age but usually at different times, which I am grateful for

I haven't discovered a way around it yet and my terrible twosome are just over 2.5 now.

Sorry I can't help but I think you just have to ride it out!

One of my twins threw tantrums several times a day from that age for several months. I found the best things to do were to avoid her getting over-tired, hungry or over-stimulated as these are great tantrum triggers.

If she was throwing a tantrum she usually lay on the floor and kicked and flailed around. I would put her in a quiet corner where she could do that without hurting herself, give her her favorite blanket and leave her to it. Most of the time she was tired and would fall asleep before too long. I would give her twin my attention while she threw the tantrum.

When she was a bit older, I would put her in time-out at the bottom of the stairs. It doesn't really work if they are too young to understand.

When she was even older she would start following me around. I would get out the vacuum cleaner and she would scuttle off sharpish. Vacuuming meant the house was cleaner, I didn't hear the screaming and she didn't get to kick me in her rage.

She is 6 now and is a very reasonable and helpful child.

My DT's are just 2 and we ave terrible tantrums and have done for at least 6 months. I think they have more tantrums because thewre are two of them to have to share toys, books etc and most importantly your attention. My advice is to ignore it the tantrum and pay attention to the "good" child. Very very hard in public places. Like you are also have an older one who is 5yrs and I find he has regressed to have tantrums as he copies his sisters to get my attention AHHHHHH! Maybe I need adsvice on tantrums aswell as I don't seem to be doing well! Will watch this thread with interest.

I'm afraid you just have to ignore it. Make sure he's in a safe place and not able to hurt himself. Then play with the other 'nice' children. If you give him attention or give in to him and give him what he wants, he will keep doing it! You have to be VERY TOUGH!

Go out as much as you can, to toddler groups, twins club, other Mum's houses that are childproof. If he is having an interesting time, he is less likely to tantrum. I used to go to at least one thing every day when mine were that age!

Good, luck, it is the hardest time in a twin Mummy's life I reckon!!