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I loose my temper with my two year old all the time

81 replies

Kerrylass221 · 28/03/2023 20:27

I feel like the worst mum in the world. Every time I scream at my little one I promise myself that it will be the last time but then I have a bad day and have absolutely zero patience with her and scream all over again. I hate being like this because the gilt just eats me up but I can't help it. I feels so unhappy a lot of the time and I just can't seem to shake myself out of it. I know that she's not to blame but she makes things so so difficult at times that I just feel so hopeless as her mum and as a person.

Any advice??

OP posts:
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Anotheroverreaction · 28/03/2023 21:38

Hey OP

I posted this on another thread yesterday but thought it might help you too:

my childhood included occasional violence, shouting every day, being made to feel guilty etc and I have a one and four year old.

I shout way way more than I want to. I’ve had psychotherapy which has helped with this but between me and my husband things are spiralling a lot and we are shouting/ name calling etc far more than we should. Probably twice a week.

me and DH love each other and he is a really great man, when it’s just the two of us we don’t argue at all. When you throw in the stress of life and children and balancing work and no sleep for over two years then I tend to boil over. DH rarely/ never shouts back - his parents never shouted and it’s just not him.

Ive suggested some couples counselling for us and I think we need to learn how to communicate better in the heat of the moment. So I’m hoping that helps.

what I try and do is apologise to him in front of the kids if I’ve shouted, and we hug it out and let the kids know it was just a silly thing between mummy and daddy and not to do with them at all. It’s not as good as not shouting in the first place but the repair is better than not repairing if that makes sense?

it’s really hard to break these generational cycles, I’ve read ever gentle parenting book going and am probably a good mother 90% of the time but this is my downfall. I am trying though and I think that if you’re doing the best you can/ seeking help/ repairing when you need to then you are too.

good luck with it

MissMaple82 · 28/03/2023 21:42

BurbageBrook · 28/03/2023 21:01

Screaming at a 2 year old is abuse. It wouldn't be kind to suggest it isn't, or to say it's OK. People are being honest. You will be traumatising your child and causing emotional damage that could last a lifetime.

In terms of strategies I think you need to reach out to the GP who can refer to counselling and parenting support sessions.

No, but there's a way of going about things without kicking someone when their down and clearly struggling. She's not a monster because she recognises she needs to change and is asking for tips amd advice, not to be told she's abusive!!!

MissMaple82 · 28/03/2023 21:45

OP if you contact your local Homestart and ask for some support they will help.. with no judgement

Interested in this thread?

Then you might like threads about these subjects:

tiaandduck · 28/03/2023 21:51

Read the parenting map by dr shefali, or on audiobook. It will highlight where in your this is coming from - your past triggers, your parents reactions to certain situations. It highlights the masks we wear to feel safe and unfortunately anger is one of them.
We've all shouted at our kids at one point, don't worry. You are aware it's an issue you don't want to continue.
The YouTube video on this subject is also good if you type in mark groves dr shefali the parenting map.

VivaVivaa · 28/03/2023 21:51

Toddlers are tough OP. You haven’t given many details but it’s likely she’s just behaving in a completely age appropriate manor. I think you need to focus on yourself and why you find her behaviour so triggering. Then you need to try and change how you react to her. Of course we all lose our rag with our kids occasionally, but the norm should be to control how we feel and meet our kids with firm boundaries and empathy. In the long run, she will never learn how to manage her behaviour if she is screamed at all the time. Does she go to nursery at all? And can you afford any private therapy to unpack why you find her so triggering?

VivaVivaa · 28/03/2023 21:55

Also, another vote for the book ‘how to talk so little kids will listen’. If generational trauma is an issue I also really recommend ‘the book you wish your parents had read’ by Philippa Perry.

SaturdayGiraffe · 28/03/2023 22:16

What were your parents like when you were a child?

When you say "I always tell her I'm sorry after, tell her I love her and give her a cuddle. I am in no way trying to justify my actions," I'm afraid you are teaching her to expect that if someone says they love you they are allowed to abuse you. Not a lesson that will help her in future relationships.

Does it happen at certain times or doing specific activities? Maybe you can avoid them or shorten them.

Can you try to pause and count to 10 before reacting, or to breathe deeply, or squeeze your eyes shut? There are lots of strategy suggestions online.

Isthisexpected · 28/03/2023 22:22

When you say "I always tell her I'm sorry after, tell her I love her and give her a cuddle. I am in no way trying to justify my actions," I'm afraid you are teaching her to expect that if someone says they love you they are allowed to abuse you. Not a lesson that will help her in future relationships.

^ yes it's like as long as he apologises after he punches me then he must really love me.

I really hope you do take some action OP. Talk is cheap and all... It is possible to change things and give your daughter a healthy secure upbringing. Reach out to your local homestart, health visitor and GP.

Kerrylass221 · 28/03/2023 22:31

Thank you all so much for your kind words and recommendations. It makes such a difference just knowing that someone is out there listening. My wee one is just your run of the mill two year old trying to figure out who she is and Im so so proud of the beautiful little person she is becoming. There is nothing particular in her behaviour that is triggering for me, it's just the stress and strains of everyday day life that build up that gets to me. I am trying to love myself more and realise that I need to make some serious changes in order for this to happen, it may take a while but il sure that I will get there in the end. Being a mum is the most challenging thing in the world, it's just so much harder than I ever expected it to be but its also really rewarding. I wouldn't be without her for anything. I only hope that she knows just how much I do love her and how I'm trying to be a mom that she can be really proud of.

Wish me luck xx

OP posts:
Greenfairydust · 28/03/2023 22:33

You need to sort yourself out because what you are doing is not acceptable.

Seek help from your GP, get some counselling, speak to a charity that supports parents but don't let this continue.

Nobody is going to tell you that it is OK to lose your temper with your child every day...

You might be struggling with some issues but taking this out on a 2 year old is not on.

Kerrylass221 · 28/03/2023 22:41

@Greenfairydust I don't loose my temper everyday and I'm well aware of my issues so you can keep your judgment.

OP posts:
minipie · 28/03/2023 22:41

Some things that helped me become less shouty

more sleep

imagine someone is watching

imagine what I’d think if I saw someone else behaving like that to their child

know when the bad points of the day are (bedtime…) and try to take a break to recharge before that

think about the situation from the child’s point of view, how annoying it must be to be told what to do, to not be able to express yourself clearly etc

remembering how awful I felt the last time I’d shouted at my child

ToastMarmalade · 28/03/2023 22:45

I guess firstly - you do know that this is really, really not OK don’t you?

If you were aged 2, with no ability to choose your environment, and so small and vulnerable, would you want to be screamed at for things you don’t even know are wrong?

Think a lot about how it is for your toddler. Like really, think. See that you are the one who made the decision to bring them into the world, and this little window of him being very small is very short but really crucial. It’s crucial that he feels that he can trust you, the main human being, his protector, his nurture, his main love. It’s crucial that he feels that he is safe and that shouting and screaming, which can be frightening, are not part of his world.

leafittome · 28/03/2023 22:46

Try and work out if you have particular triggers and pro actively address them.
For example do you lose your temper more when hungry?- then make sure you snack more. Do you lose your temper when in a hurry - try to reorganise things so you are in less of a rush. Is noise triggering? - get some in ear noise defenders. Learn to recognise it building and take alternative action.
Generally lower expectations of your child too. Remind yourself kids so well when they can.

You can change your behaviour so just focus on that.

Stinkypink · 28/03/2023 22:57

what sort of things upset you?

plan ahead - how will you deal with things next time? Use your experiences to reflect and develop stratagies. Read around the subject. I tend to away and have some space and a quiet cup of tea if safe. Step back and calmly think rather then engaging and over reacting.

also are you getting any daily child free time? Even just half an hour to yourself. Enough sleep?

small things can help. Meditation early morning to support a feeling of calm. Walks with her in the pram. Seeing other mums with toddlers.

Greenfairydust · 28/03/2023 22:57

Well, you asked for comments. Not everyone is going to respond with ''poor you''...

Part of managing anger is also understanding that people might have different opinions from yours and lashing out at them doesn't help you win your argument.

It just makes you look petulant and immature.

FrostBeDonePls · 28/03/2023 22:59

OP,

Get "How to talk so little kids will listen" this is brilliant! Someone else here mentioned it too.

Some helpful suggestions here about taking a step back.

And personally for me, taking responsibility for your action ("I am so sorry, I was mean to you. I did this that and it wasn't right, etc") i do this every time I am out of order. It may not be the ideal thing to do but I can't NOT explain the wrong thing i did in that situation, to my child and move on.

Good luck x

asundayphilosopher · 28/03/2023 23:03

It is great that you love your daughter and that you recognise that losing your temper and shouting at a little child is very wrong.
The NSPCC is quite clear that shouting is abuse
Emotional abuse includes: humiliating or constantly criticising a child. threatening, shouting at a child or calling them names. making the child the subject of jokes, or using sarcasm to hurt a child.

www.nspcc.org.uk › emotion...
What Is Emotional Abuse & Things You Should Know | NSPCC

I think imagining you are on camera or that someone is watching you is great advice. You need to find ways of changing your behaviour. They will talk about why shouting and losing your temper is wrong, in circle time at school. Imagine how bad you will feel if you think your daughter shares with the teacher that her mummy shouts at her.
Most posters on here have been really supportive and offered practical ideas. Find what works for you and set yourself a challenge to stop doing it. You really need to change your behaviour and it is good that you recognise this. Good luck

Kerrylass221 · 28/03/2023 23:05

@Greenfairydust I'm not looking for sympathy and you don't know anything about my situation so why are you being so unkind? Your coming across as really angry and hurtful. Maybe you don't mean to be but you are.

OP posts:
IllogicalLogic · 28/03/2023 23:21

Op, there isn't a single parent here who can say they haven't shouted and regretted it.

You are not alone.

The repair you do is vital and makes a difference. It's not at all like an abuser saying they'll punch you and just say sorry after. How ridiculous. You're not placating her so she doesn't leave like someone would be in that scenario. You're suing you regret it and will take steps not to do it again, and that it's not her fault but mummy is going to work on it with all her might. Completely different.

You already know this isn't you and you want to stop, but I also would think you've tried and in the heat of the moment let yourself down (we all do). Are there triggers, such as fear of how she'll turn out or wanting to show how desperately serious her actions are, or worry that you'll be late if she doesn't cooperate.... often we can get caught by the same patterns and identifying them can help.

It's really true that if you practice doing something that goes against how you feel - something like run to the loo and literally force yourself to count to 50 or repeat a mantra to yourself to help yourself calm down and be who you want to be - then it will become an easier habit over time. We can train ourselves.

Change often comes slowly though and you might notice you only shouted once in a week and then a fortnight and then a month and then a season... until you can't remember the last time you shouted because you've got other ways now. You want to do this, that's half the battle, so you just need practice now.

Be kind to yourself. Remember that if your cup of overwhelmingly flowing over you'll spill your emotions out in shouting so find ways to look after yourself and spill the pressure out little and often so it doesn't build so high and overwhelm. You've got this 🤗

asundayphilosopher · 28/03/2023 23:32

The MN usual approach is to compare shouting at a child to domestic abuse where a husband or partner shouts at his wife. That is abuse, the law is clear on that.
You do sound angry, OP, with posters who point out that shouting is wrong. I am a teacher. I would never get away with shouting at an individual student. I think you are probably angry with yourself which is why you turn on posters who are trying to help.
You have to take on board that shouting is abuse and you don't want to bean abusive Mum who scares her small child.
Ask for help, most local authorities will have stay and play sessions with experienced early years specialists and they will advise you on behaviour management strategies that do not include shouting.

Anotheroverreaction · 28/03/2023 23:42

A lot of posters on here seem quite knowledgeable so I’m interested to know if it’s ever too late to turn the tide on this? In terms of damage to the child. I.e. if I’ve been a shouty mum for 4 years since my eldest was born is there any hope of her not being affected by it long term if I am able to change now? Or has the damage already been done brain wise?

obviously always worth changing to improve the future day to day and long term relationship, but brain structure wise is it too late as we know the first five years are the most important?

TomatoFrog · 28/03/2023 23:49

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Omm · 28/03/2023 23:58

‘Big little feelings’ have a good course on managing emotions and staying calm. It’s about 100 dollars but it’s worth it

Fluffyowl00 · 29/03/2023 00:09

I’m probably the worst mum in the world but after the childminder I often:
1 wear sparks moldex earplugs (you can still hear everything but it stops that hair standing up on the back of your neck anger)
2 Give her a drink
3 Put the radio on
4 Make the quickest food ever.. possibly also a snack that will be thrown but can also be picked back up and eaten
5 sometimes go into the hall and slam the door repeatedly whilst growling/screaming

Ah man, I hear you. Sometimes they are just soooo unreasonable

often she waddles in happily after 27 tantrums 🤷‍♀️