Tips for 2 year olds behaviour

[needhelp3214]

I have a 2 year old ds who is an angel with everyone else but with me it’s tantrums if he doesn’t get what he wants instantly it’s hitting, biting, hair pulling, scratching whatever he can do. He’s started saying curse words and when he’s told no to anything he laughs and does it more I feel like I’m just fighting a losing battle and we’re getting nowhere. Also he won’t eat any sort of a breakfast meal even though he’s clearly hungry as he spends the next 2 hours constantly after for snacks

Where has he learnt curse words?

Really that’s your helpful reply? People curse in general it’s not something you can hide from a child? Your life must be absolutely Disney movie perfect if no one around your child ever curses. Unfortunately I cannot control what adults in passing say

🤣

My life must be Disney perfect then lol cos my children dont/didnt ever swear in front of me (because I dont swear and they know Id tell them off if I hear them swearing - eldest is now in his 20s and swears a lot - but rarely in my hearing because he knows Ill be cross if he does). The key to having kids that dont swear is dont swear yourself and ensure that every time they do there is a consequence.

Tips for 2yos........ be kind and loving but also be firm and consistent. If your child is an angel with others then its definitely not a diagnosable behavioural issue its a you issue. - Frustrating as 2yos can be, its definitely easier to sort this situation out now than wait until they are older.

So for example.......... you say "here is your breakfast ds" and you sit with him and eat yours (have a chat about whatever). Explain kindly to him that this is his food and there will be no additional food until x time. No exceptions (but drinks of water/very dilute squash always an option) If he makes a fuss and begs for snacks you say "sorry kiddo, no more food until x time, hey why dont we go for a walk/read a story/play with your toys" etc
Distract with other activities. Be firm and consistent. No screens of any sort at any mealtime (make food and a chat the focus). Hes holding out for snacks atm so if they go altogether....... he'll know that its what hes offered at mealtimes or go hungry.
I found it easier to keep mealtimes and bedtimes at the same time each day. And definitely never smack them, it just makes things worse (not that you mentioned ever doing that - its just a thing I always mention re small kids)
All of the above worked well with my two (both now adults) but doubtless others will have other other ways and means!
Hoping some of that helps! x

Don't expect him to care about your feelings. They're little psychopaths at that age, not developmentally developed enough to have that much empathy.

Stay calm. Apply consistent rules and boundaries. No breakfast? Ok, next snack is two hours away and nothing before that.

Using bad language? Ok, favourite toy goes on shelf.

Hits you etc - ok, you don't want to play like that so stand up and walk away.

Etc. Follow through with it. Try not to get worked up.