Terrible toddler behaviour - Struggling to manage

[Marsh212]

Hi all,

My child is 2 . They have started to be really really naughty ! I am pregnant and I am struggling to cope with their behaviour .

From the minute they wake up to the painful bed time routine. They have started to to kick ,hit and show aggressive behaviour.They won't listen to me. They berate the dog constantly so we have to lock him upstairs . They constantly want their dummy which is so frustrating because we had got to a point where they only had it for bed .

We try the naughty corner but they just run away and I struggle because I'm pregnant to get them back as they kick .

I know this is probably normal behaviour but how do I cope with a toddle who doesn't understand and doesn't listen? Anyone any tips as to what strategies to try etc ?

Thanks from a desperate, emotional pregnant lady

Bump

I hate to be the one to say it, but it's not called 'The Terrible Twos' for no reason.

You've got to work through it, be consistent.

Good luck!

Can you go cold turkey on the dummy? Will be a rough few days but then they will forget all about it.

I've heard that a naughty corner doesn't work. Can you try loads of praise where possible? And what is their screen time like?

2 year olds are just babies themselves. Are you visibly pregnant? Your son or daughter might be struggling with the change that is to come in the form of a new sibling and/or the fact that mummy is tired, unable to play as much as before possibly?
I don't know what the "naughty corner" means but punishing a baby won't result in a calmer environment, it will probably make things worse.

If he or she wants the dummy it's probably a sign that they need more comfort. Lots of love, reassurance, nice activities together (reading, really engaging in their play), keeping a consistent routine, these things should all help, but at the end of the day you have a 2 year old and they are there to test out what they can do in this world, and your job to encourage them, praise them for good things, and keep them safe and feeling loved and important.

Good luck with your pregnancy OP, I have a 3 year old and a 2 year old so I do understand your position. All the best to you.

Thanks everyone. He seems to have settled slightly the last few days . I know it's terrible twos but it has just been so difficult ! Screen time has definitely increased since I fell pregnant as I was very unwell with nausea/vomitting . Usually I take him to soft plays all the time and I just can't do that at the moment.

I have reduced the screen time since I posted and it's definitely been a good thing. I do also think he is somewhat under the weather , not entirely sure what is going on.

The most frustrating thing is just that he so difficult to try and calm and it is really difficult to get him to realise he can't hit people. Hopefully just a phase.

I have tried to go cold turkey with the dummy but he is just in consolable. I think I'm going to have to wait until he understands more when I do eventually take it away.

He gets lots of love and cuddles and he is also very affectionate when he wants to be.

Just a little boy who is testing the waters. I will keep plodding on .

Stairgate for the dog,to
wander.