Please tell me this is normal 2 year old behaviour!?!

[TheCountessOlenska]

Because when I was out just now all I could see were toddlers sitting nicely in their pushchairs while DD had tantrum after tantrum - she actually reduced me to tears!

She is 2.3 and the tantrums have been getting worse and more frequent over the last month - today she has literally whinged and cried since the moment she got up and has had 3 or 4 major melt downs! She has also point blank refused to nap.

Is this normal? Is there anything I'm not doing that I should be doing??

We are both very

do you have a Children's Centre near you OP? Loads of advice and support available there about managing behaviour - something that loads of parents need support with, you're not alone!

Thanks Lotta - I know I'm not alone really, that's why it's called the terrible twos! It's just taken me by surprise - I thought the little 18 month old strops about putting shoes on were the worst it was going to get (idiot!). It's the sheer physical strength of her, and the ear-splitting volume - I am just totally thrown by it!!

My DD is 20months and am sure I'll be posting this in a few months time.. we went round Tesco earlier in the week and she was up and down in the seat - wouldn't sit still.. whinged and moaned and jumped around till I got her out (into the main trolley)

Sorry, nothing say in way of what but can offer sympathy.. oh and am sure it's normal..

oh and yes, I spent the entire time looking at other toddlers sitting nicely thinking why oh why can't she! so you are not alone in those thoughts.

It's not a lot of fun eh? It's totally normal - a little person with very big feelings and limited verbal skills and an increasing desire to control things outside themselves. It's a scary and horrible experience for your child too so remember to stay calm and not raise your voice - act like you're not thrown by it, even if you're freaking a bit inside!

The thing is though, it's important to manage her behaviour at this age, and not leave it until she gets older when behaviour gets a heck of a lot more challenging believe me! There's some good advice on programs like Supernanny etc but what works for one parent/child doesn't work for everyone. Get yourself down your local Children's Centre (if you can) - they will give you advice on what would work best for you.

normal but very stressful - probably not helped by not napping - does she sleep if you take her out in buggy or car?

my friend found 1-2-3 magic very good - there is a book and she borrowed the DVD from our children's centre

Thanks all - I will check out the Children's Centre and see if they can help.

She normally would nap in car or buggy but had worked herself in such a frenzy that she didn't seem able to drop off! She seems slightly happier since lunchtime so maybe it was partially hunger

I share your woe - it is the ear piercing screams that kill me. On Sunday the heat seemed to trigger a day long tantrum. I grit my teeth and try and keep going. Sorry, but can't imagine Children's Centre will be able to help - unless you want to sit in a group and listen to the screams amplified by 10 more stroppy toddlers! They do grow out of it... eventually...

DD had a half hour long tantrum coming back from the shop the other day. Every few steps she would fling herself down on the floor and scream. I'd pick her up and she'd scream and go floppy. People must have thought I was kidnapping her!

She's 2.2 so I think it's normal. PFB never did anything like it though!

Well my almost 2 yo (who has been a total angel for a week) had a total meltdown this morning because I asked him to stand on the stool and not climb on the worktop - something I have told him before and he's never screamed and sobbed about.

I think sometimes they just wake up in a funny mood.

And as a mother of a child who sits beautifully in the trolly, helps me pick out fruit and is generally a wonderful little helper, don't forget that in other situations these children will be totally different. Catch us in a cafe having to (heaven forbid) wait for 5 minutes for a slice of banana bread and you will witness an ear splitting tantrum.....

My DD (2y1m) can throw some massive wobblers too especially if she is tired or hungry.
Sometimes there are days when nothing seems to be right and she tantrums about every little thing all day. When these days happen its best just to shrug and hope tomorrow is better.
She never has these phases for long and your DD won't have a bad day every day either :)

Interesting a lot of comments about hunger - food can certainly fend off a tantrum with her, though I'm always slightly anxious this isn't the ideal remedy? As she seems to have a totally huge appetite and could eat all day if we let her - but then I guess they are burning off so much energy at this age? that food and grazing constantly (as well as 3 proper meals) seems to be fine.

Oh wow! About three weeks ago, I posted almost EXACTLY the same as you. Three days after I posted, practically at the end of my tether, poof! The tantruming lessened, the whining all but stopped and my beautiful boy was back. The change has been remarkable.

I am not complacent thought, who knows what lies around the corner, but for now I am relishing every moment.

My point is, do not worry, she will get over it, and you both will be happy again. This is a promise.

most toddler have days like that i think

i bet the "good" toddlers mums who you saw were just greatful that today wasnt their turn to be monkeys monstors... im sure they all have their fair share of bad days too

.....this too shall pass......