2yr old extremely emotional

[eeanne]

DD1 is 2.3 and DD2 is 2 months. I know twos are rough and so is having a new baby sibling, but DD1 has now for the past few weeks spent probably 50% of her awake time crying. Anything sets her off. She’s always been a cryer but now it’s getting extreme. She can cry for half an hour over something like not wanting a yogurt. She also pushed a child at the soft play which I’ve never seen her do before. Positive attention doesn’t work. Time out/naughty step doesn’t work. I don’t know what to do but I’m getting concerned. Is it normal for a child to be so emotional in response to a new sibling? I am home on mat leave so she gets plenty of my attention at the moment.

This is completely normal my 3 year old done this for about 3 months last year I found that just ignoring her works wonders so she can see when she's crying for no reason then she won't get no attention. It's just her demanding attention.

IME nothing will work quickly. I know it’s a bit of a cliche but it is just a phase, develpmentaly it’s pretty normal and will get better.....eventually.
One of my dts was a demon around his second year, he cried becuse I looked at him once.
You’re not alone though. This too shall pass.

Totally normal and (in my opinion) just a phase that you have to ride out. My DD was like it for at least 2 years. We’ve just hit 4 years and she’s slightly more rational now.

She might do this for two years?! 😩

You will get used to it then you will notice all that of a sudden that it’s got better.

DD1 is 2 years 9 months (although has significant developmental delay) and DD2 is 3 months.

DD1 has been very emotional and clingy since DD2's arrival. She sleeps badly and virtually everything is a trauma ... I cut her apple up on Wednesday and she screamed like I'd killed her BFF and went about trying to reassemble the pieces of fruit.

I'm hoping that as DD2 grows and becomes more of a playmate, DD1 will calm down. In the meantime, I'm prioritising DD1 when I can and giving her plenty of hugs.

As per @ShimmeringBollox, this too shall pass!

One of my sons was extremely hard work at that age, Worse by the sounds of it than yours, He is now 3 and an absolute delight.
Looking back.its like comparing two completly different kids, Hang on in there, it does get better.

From the OP, with the bits I think are relevant highlighted by me!

DD1 is 2.3 and DD2 is 2 months. I know twos are rough and so is having a new baby sibling, but DD1 has now for the past few weeks spent probably 50% of her awake time crying.

Um - she's very young herself and has had to adapt to a big change, unfortunately it's happened when your nerves are probably a bit shot and you are finding it difficult to cope but honestly, it does sound from what you've said (and recognised yourself) that it is related to the new baby!

Cotswald it’s DEFINITELY related to the new baby. The thing is she’s very sweet to her sister. But towards DH and especially me she is just losing it. Constantly crying and sometimes hitting us. I feel awful like she’s depressed or something! OK that sounds slightly ridiculous But I don’t know if it’s normal or if I need to take extra steps.

One of my siblings was completely ignored by their eldest child for weeks after arriving home with baby. Sensibly, she didn't push it at the time but it was awful for her! Hopefully things will improve over time.

It’s ok to sound ridiculous. You have a newborn and a toddler.

Your dd will be fine, I only have my dts so they didn’t have a new —rival— sibling to contend with, but some of the things that upset them were bonkers.
Have a google of reasons my toddler is crying.

Oh bollox, my strike out failed

One of my siblings was completely ignored by their eldest child for weeks after arriving home with baby

Wow! That’s one stone cold toddler. Although I might prefer being ignored to the screaming and crying “MUMMY WHERE ARE YOU” when she’s sitting in my lap

It’s ok to sound ridiculous. You have a newborn and a toddler.

Thanks. It isn’t easy having two little ones! Luckily DD2 is the sweetest and most relaxed little baby, so the fact DD1 monopolizes so much of my emotional energy doesn’t cause much disruption.

Yesterday we were in the car and the baby just gurgled and slept while DD1 cried because I wasn’t holding her hand...while I was driving 🤨

Oh gosh, it all sounds so familiar. I remember dt1 crying at a stay and play group becuase he couldn’t open a pot of sequins, but didn’t want anyone to help him. He is actually quite a reasonable little boy now.