Any tips for remaining patient in the face of your two year old's challenge's to your equilibrium?

[Elf]

Hi, DD2 is my third yet I am still going up the wall sometimes with her behaviour. It is just normal two year old stuff. Wanting one thing, then another, then the first thing, NO!!!! the second thing. Taking off nappy, clothes ALL the time. Taking off boots on walks and really crying about having to put them back on. Taking them off again and again and again.

You know what I mean.

I need tips for me. Deep breaths? Looking forward to a year's time? Please help. It's a real strain at the moment.

(Oh no, I have just read my post and as I'm a real apostrophe person I have to just say that I would like to correct my title to 'challenges' without the apostrophe. I just couldn't leave that unsaid. Some people will understand I am sure. )

I wish I had the answer, it is a mare isn't it?
I think for her: lots of fresh air + running around, or on rubbish days, dancing and stuff indoors, or a gym class, nice interested open ended toys that she doesn't get bored with, eg piles of buttons and fir cones and cardboard tubes, see threads on heuristic play for more ideas

for you:
as much sleep as you can get, regular exercise to help you feel calmer and less stressed, get out with other parents and toddlers as often as possible, and MN, of course

....

Hi Elf
Can really relate to your post. DD is my third as well. I am much more accepting third time round but she does still get me going. Getting dressed can be a problem as she keeps changing her mind about what to wear and wants to wear only a vest etc. I tend to walk away which is hard when we are in a rush. She usually complies if I walk off. I find getting wound up really does not help.(not surprisingly). I did end up taking her out in the pushchair once without pants or trousers on. I think she felt the cold. We got some funny looks but she lets me dress her before we go out now.

I think being the third is hard as she gets left to get on with it on her own alot. I don't just sit down and play with her as I did with the others. I try to sit and read a book to her when I can and this seems to help.

She is also incredibly cute which more than makes up for the 'trying' times.

Don't know if that helps.

Franny and Mimizan thank you. It's the old story, it just helps to know there are others out there. FAZ I think you are right about more exercise - I do get them out as much as poss but maybe more. Also, seeing other people does help doesn't it? Mimizan yes I'm right there with you about her being left to get on with it a lot more than DD1 had to and yes I grab a book to give a few minutes of my time sometimes. I love the buttons/fir cones idea, we have loads of fir cones near us I shall try that. thank you both.

Breeeeathhhhhhe in

Breeeathhhhhe out

Then shout/burst into tears/put your head in your hands (that was my method)

Seriously though, it's hell isn't it. Like being trapped with a miniature psychopath whom you have to be really nice to and apologise for all the time.

The only thing I found I could do was try to really really enjoy and highlight his good behaviour. Star charts started to show some results about age 2 (sometimes).

I go through phases of doing a marble jar for my older 2 DC. Basically we give marbles for good behaviour, and take away for bad behaviour. The last time I did it, DD shouted 'me marbles too' and it has worked with her. Every time she's resisting my insructions I say 'If you put your coat on, clean your teeth etc, I will give you a marble.' It can get you through a difficult patch and is a useful strategy to have.