Toddler makes me want to drive into a brick wall.

[Lemonnhoney]

My 2 year olds behaviour is really getting to me. Everything is such a struggle, getting dressed, nappy change, in the car seat or pram, there are just screams and refusals and meltdowns.

It’s really getting me down and when it happens I just have horrible depressive feelings and thoughts. I’m also 7 months pregnant so probably full of hormones.

I need advice or tips for dealing with a tantruming toddler basically and how to coerce them into stuff?! There’s probably some underlying issues with myself but I’m trying to work through that too.

She’s my second child so well aware it’s normal to an extent and it will pass (I got to keep telling myself) but I don’t ever remember it being this bad.

What do you all do?!?! Help!

I’ve tried giving her choices, preparing her for what’s going to happen in advance, bribing her..... it doesn’t work!!

Oh lovely, we’ve all been there! Toddlers are mostly dickheads 😂 the book “how to talk so that little kids will listen” was a life changer for me. Before that I was banging my head against the wall. Pop and see your GP or mention how you’re feeling to the midwife because depression can happen antenatally. But I felt the same and wasn’t pregnant.

What helps at the moment?

To be honest, not being with her helps!! Which I feel awful about but it’s really triggering me.

I’ve been referred for a talking therapy but waiting list is a while.

I’ve also read some of that book before with my eldest so might give it another go.... need to try and deep breaths perhaps but the behaviour really gets to me!!

Watching loads of supernanny helped me. The thinking step, consequences and warnings. I think she is really good.

But also the book 'playful parenting book'. I am a mixture of fun but also very firm. I don't budge when it comes to rules and consequences.

But also remember 2 year olds are idiots and super annoying! They are lovely when they are 4/5/6 though.

Wait till they turn 4 is what you do!

Sending much sympathy, they are illogical dictators!

Hang in there is what you do, and know it will get better. Some are worse than others despite the same parenting...

Yep I’m currently loving parenting my 4 year old! He is a pleasure..

Thank you, I’ll look up that book

When I need to change or dress my 15 month old, I always bring something new and interesting for him to look at. Not a toy...something like a hairbrush, a water bottle, a shoe, changes every day. He'll just lie there analysing it and it means I can quickly get his nappy changed and clothes on! It works most of the time.

Do you think that could work for your daughter?