Do grumpy, quick to frustrate babies, become grumpy, quick to frustrate tots/teens?!

[CCW86]

You always hear how people’s kids ‘are such happy and carefree babies’ but rarely do you have people saying well actually mines a bit of a grump! Just wondered if anyone with grumpy babies had any stories to share and if it gets any better as the babies get older.

My almost 1 year smiles and laughs, and we have Great photos that we send to the grandparents as they aren’t able to see DS due to lockdown. But what they don’t see is that actually for the most part of the day is completely different, and we have tears and tantrums and general just pick me up and carry me everywhere! We’ve done the usual checks of you are fed, clean, cuddled and can’t possibly be sleepy, but still the grump! As he approaches 1, we are trying to encourage him to learn new things but he is quick to get frustrated when he can’t do something, or gets something ‘wrong’ and it doesn’t matter to him that he had successfully already done the task several times before.

We have come to terms with the fact we have a bit of a grump on our hands. DH has admitted it probably come from him!! But does it get better? Or should I expect the constant battle to learn new things when they are 2..5...18!!!!

All my children have been what might politely be described as "high needs" . I used to look enviously at other mothers in coffee shops, drinking hot drinks whilst their babies looked on smilingly from their puschairs. I, on the other hand, was the deranged woman who looked like she was continually wrestling with a komodo dragon and a couple of honey badgers and didn't eat or drink anything above room temperature for years.
But fortunately it didn't last. Once they could talk properly and be reasoned with, pretty much all disappeared. Toddlerhood wasn't too bad and we have had a very easy time in the teenage years so far. So even if there is a tendency for grumpy babies to grow into grumpy children and teens, it isn't universal. Mine have all improved hugely with age!

@MrsAvocet Ha! Yes! DH and I have also called DS ‘high needs’. But it was just a nicer way to say needy and grumpy! I have a friend who constantly wonders why DS is crying as she apparently has a perfect angel child who never cries or misbehaves!! And I completely know what you mean about room temp food and drink. My evening treat of choice these days is a hot cup of tea in the evening (with a few too many biscuits) purely for the fact that I can have a hot drink! Great to hear things got better and less Komodo dragon like!

Eldest was a happy, smiley baby who barely slept. Developed a bit of a dramatic streak but has a great sense of humour. Now 13 and we have the occasional grump and strop, probably hormone related but he's still sociable and chatty.

Youngest rarely smiled, terrible temper. Would go from ok to uncontrollable very quickly. Cried alot when he started school, never took to nursery. He's now 9 and become very lovable, funny and affectionate. Much better temperament having spent lots of time helping him name his feelings and trying to understand whats going on with him.

My tantrumming terror has mellowed into a really delightful 7 year old who is so emotionally intelligent and resilient. Nothing like I expected from her first 4 years which were one long battle!

I really hope not. Mine at 9 months is still super grumpy baby most the time, hard work and won’t sleep. Like you, we get happy moments for pictures and he’s happy if he’s being held so is happy all day if we go out and he is in sling.
He’s already moving, but still seems grumpy.

So far today he was happy whilst dh or I basic played or held him. a right grump a hour whilst I tried to eat breakfast and sort stuff. The. in pram outside he was happy and he slept. Since then onwards at home, grump.

@CCW86 Hi, did things improve? I have a grumpy nearly 5 month old x

@TinkerTinkerbelle , yes things did thankfully get better. Don’t get me wrong, at 5.5 years, we still get moments of stubbornness , impatience and grumpiness, but I truly do think that is his father fault (also his personality trait) but for the most part, he is now a relatively calm and happy child. I did make sure to teach him that it’s ok that things don’t always go your way, blocks can fall, things can rip and you don’t always win at games, but that’s ok. He listens well to instruction, loves learning and is a king and sweet boy. So hang in there! It feels like forever but the grumpy little thing won’t stay little, or grumpy the whole time

@CCW86 Thank you so much for your reply! That’s great to hear and it gives me hope ☺️ x