No body said it was easy...

[Laylalala]

I have a 2 y/old extremely energetic, independent and stubborn little boy who’s favourite thing to do right now is whine and scream and throw tantrums, OVER EVERYTHING. Up until now I think I’ve for the most part kept my s* together and had good routines in place. He slept well in his own cot (after some sleep training as a young babe) and ate mostly anything and well now everything I cook him gets thrown across the room or fed to the dogs. Bed time is a never ending battle ending up with him always in bed with me and not settling sometimes until 10pm. His Dad works nights so I don’t get much help and we have no family in the area. This week I had surgery and had to jump straight back into my role at home without any rest and I’m sat here feeling like the hugest failure of a mother because I literally just let him have a jammy dodger for breakfast because he saw them and wouldn’t stop screaming and last night I gave him vegemite on toast for dinner without even trying a healthier alternative because I’m just FRIED.
I’m pretty sure his behaviour has been worse this week on the basis I haven’t been very mobile and he’s not had his usual run around at the park etc.
I need you all to tell me this part of parenting is normal and short lived?!!! Or am I legit doing this wrong?!!

The reason why forums like this exist is because children are often hard, demanding, moany, picky eaters who push parents to the brink of insanity! You shouldn't feel bad about giving him the odd 'bad' breakfast if it's what he wanted, it kept the peace and it's giving you a mini break from the madness. I've read stories of chefs who can't believe that their kids want to eat only ketchup etc. It happens. The key here is to keep trying when you feel you can to make slight improvements. Best of luck.

Of course you’re not doing it wrong! Sounds like a really tough week, and sometimes during a tough week anything goes, it’s about survival. Don’t beat yourself up.

You will get back on it tomorrow or the next day, whenever you feel better. Keep trying with the healthier meals when you can, things will change.

I had a stubborn and independent two-year-old. He’s now a stubborn and independent four-year-old, and an absolutely brilliant spirited little boy. I choose to pick my battles. For example he doesn’t wear pants, never has, and I don’t see it as a problem as his pre school don’t mind. But he knows that if he refuses to eat his dinner and gets down from the table, there will be no pudding, and I won’t change my mind.

Good luck. Concentrate on getting yourself better. Do you have any good friends locally who might be able to take him for an hour or two to give you a break? You could reciprocate with their child when you’re feeling better?

If you have had surgery then your DH needs to take some annual leave so you can rest. If he can’t/won’t a couple of weeks of picnic food on the floor in front of Ceebies is fine.

If he is struggling to go down on a nighttime and still naps it maybe time to drop the nap.