2 year old is driving me nuts - is it normal to dislike being around your child??

[EllieWales]

I’m so sick of my 2.5 year old at the moment I dread fetching him from nursery. I know that sounds really bad but I’ve had enough of the constant tantrums and demands, jumping on me, hitting, spitting etc. I love him but he’s such hard work and I have no patience left.

Since picking him up from nursery this evening he’s kicked off about going in the car seat, kicked off in the park, tried to run off on to the road multiple times, kicked off because I took his shoes off when we got home, thrown his dinner all over the place, kicked off because he wanted a new plum instead of the one he’s on half eating etc etc etc, I could go on and it’s like this all the time. He kicks off about absolutely everything and anything.

He has pretty bad eczema (currently under control) which wakes him most nights so we’re up for 2-3 hours in the night and I have to apply creams 8-10 times a day which he fights. every. single. time.

Is it normal to dislike being around your child? I don’t want to disengage but feel like it’s the only way to stop blowing up at him 😔Any words of advice or wisdom on how to manage this stage would be greatly appreciated.

Sorry you’re going through this. To be honest it sounds like he’s over tired and not getting enough sleep. Could that be a reason for his tantrums?

This sounds really tough OP and even the most patient of parents would struggle to ‘enjoy’ this.
I imagine the poor lad is feeling very uncomfortable and his behaviour is bad as a communication signal as he is still too young to communicate that he is in pain or discomfort, plus accumulated tiredness from a day at nursery.
Make sure you and DP are taking turns equally and it’s not all on you.

Sounds like it's very hard parenting your little one right now. Yes I think that's totally normal to feel that way. Some kids are just more difficult at certain stages and it's not easy. I'm sure your child will get better! My 4 year old was very difficult between 2-4: biting, hiting, tantrums, flat out refusal to get in the car seat just a few examples. He's turned a corner and now he's so much easier to parent, I enjoy being with him not just feel stressed. Hopefully the stage he's in will pass, there is light at the end! It used tk annoy me when mums would say they kid was a nightmare and they didn't display any of that ^ behaviour. Also, sounds like you need a break!

At this point it’s time for some good old fashioned bribery. Desperate times call for desperate measures.

Do you get much of a break OP?

I have twins and one of them was like this at. 2.5 - it was an awful time just awful. I’d say this stage lasted about 18 months and they still have their moments. It’s been brutal. But it did get better x

I’m this stage atm with my 2.5 year old dd, she is absolutely relentless. Does not listen at all. Doesn’t share with her sister. Just so full on all the time and LOUD

Thanks all for your messages, it’s comforting to know I’m not alone and many of you have had similar experiences. I take my hat off to you all because it’s bloody hard!

I think he probably is tired, we both are, which isn’t helping. DP tries to help but it usually leads to more kicking off because DS wants me all the time. MIL is a godsend and has him one night a week so I do get a break.

He loves milk and I could get away with bribing him with milk until recently. He’s a terrible eater so we’ve have had to cut back on that now which again, isn’t helping.

I just have to keep muddling through and PRAY this phase lasts a few months and not years 😅

Someone told me the terrible twos is a right of passage. When my 2.5 year old was behaving just like yours, I had that in the back of my mind.
It’s awful OP, sorry you’re going through this but there is light at the end of the tunnel eventually.
I also recommend a book called ‘how to talk so little kids listen’ which was really helpful for tantrums and getting them to do things they didn’t want to do.

Sometime posting is more about venting than actually seeking advice. Both is useful.
However, if you want advice....
He is struggling, he is shattered, he misses you, he is a toddler (actual brain 🧠 issues!) and he can't articulate exactly he means.
Seek help and tips on how to handle tantrums, 99% is your reaction.
Let him know you are here when he's ready to calm down and needs a cuddle.
This is a phase.

You've got this mama 💕