Really struggling - is this normal?

[Wishingwell24]

Hi,

My DD is 2 and a half. I’m really struggling at the moment and wondered if any of this is normal. I am really doubting myself as a parent.

I try to make things fun for her, take her to the park, days out when I can. But when we are out in the shops for example she will throw herself on the floor; have tantrums, refuses to go in the trolley seat. She is very demanding, if she asks for something if I don’t get it for her in a second she keeps shouting it at me. She try’s to run off from me and never seems to listen to anything I say, tries to do the opposite.

I am a lone parent so I don’t have any time to myself apart from two days a week when she is in nursery, she does 5 hours per day. Nursery say she is quiet there so I am thinking it is myself that is doing something wrong.

Sorry you are struggling OP - sounds like you have a healthy happy toddler!

She is displaying this behaviour because she is testing boundaries (normal part of development) because YOU are her safe space. She knows she can because you love her and look after her (that's why the behaviour is different at nursery or their behaviour is great with grandparents etc, annoying!)

They are still struggling to emotionally regulate and cannot articulate this.

I am going through it atm and my advice is - pick your battles and be consistent. Boundaries make her feel safe, even if she doesn't tell you that.

I don't have much advice OP but I came on to post a similar thread myself before seeing yours. My DD is the same age and could've written this myself. From the research I've done and advice I've received, it's perfectly normal at this age. It doesn't make it any easier but you're not alone

It’s normal. Draining, exhausting but normal.

Its normal - and very annoying!!