Tricky baby!

[CuppaTea4Me]

DS (15 months) has always been a bit…tricky 😬 I’m used to his nature. If he wants something, he screams for it and can keep it up for hours. He’s understood the word ‘no’ since about 8 months and, even if he’s very gently told ‘no’, he howls and throws himself on the floor. Completely resistant to distraction! If I’m in the room he screams if he’s held by anyone else but me. Getting out the door is a nightmare, he screams and kicks and tries to escape having nappy changed/coat put on/shoes put on. On the flip side he’s also amazingly sociable, inquisitive and incredibly bright so I’ve just been taking the good with the bad!

I’m away with my inlaws along with my SIL and her family. Her DS is 5 weeks younger than mine. He’s just so easy! He just potters round, happy to engage with anyone, babbles away to himself, easily distracted if doing something he shouldn’t, doesn’t tantrum, quietly sits there when having stuff done to him. My MIL obviously prefers him and calls my DS demanding!

Im worried now I’ve done something wrong. I just assumed he’d grow out of this but now seeing him alongside my nephew it’s hammered home what a handful he is 😬 will he be okay? I’m worried I’ve created a monster!!

No 1: all kids are different!! VERY different.

No 2: your child will be starting to get to an age that could be more tricky. Define your boundaries (you can't win all battles!!! So forget about that) and be consistent and strict with that. Some kids respond well to choices (do you want the yellow socks or the blues ones, do you want to wash your hands now or in 5 min), others to songs (sing a song while you're doing a task like brushing hair, putting shoes on, and when the song is finished the task is finished, tell that to the child)

No 3: there's always the possibility that your child could have something but it's too early to tell anything. Parents always compare, but that is stressful and unfair on the child. DD3 at 1yo hardly eats but development wise and weight wise she's doing great! That's what matters! It's not about comparing to what other children are eating, it's about what is right for HER.

Good luck :) have patience and don't stress, have fun!

I used to believe in 'nurture' more than nature, but I've got 2 kids now and imo they come out fully formed and all you can do is roll with it. Nature for the win! Fwiw I had a difficult one first then a much easier one, he's defo the golden child to the grandparents too!

The personality trait you find difficult now are the things who will be proud of when he is an adult. When he is an adult who knows his own mind and perseveres to get what he wants out of life you will be so very proud. For now, hang on and it will get easier.