Struggling with my toddler

[Mrsajk]

Hi all,
I am really really struggling with my 2& 1/2 year old.. He does not listen to anything that's being said to him, he constantly hurts everyone for no reason, he is always on the go. I dread taking him out anywhere because he refuses to go in the pram, on the reins, in a trolley etc he just wants to run off and if i dont allow it, he will scream at the top of his lungs and hit/scratch me and throw a huge tantrum. I met up with my mom today and after an hour i just had to leave the town centre because i couldn't cope with his behaviour anymore :-( he never sleeps when he should either so nap times come at stupid times like 2- 3pm, despite trying my hardest to keep him awake and then it messes up bedtime. I've got 5 other children who are a little older now ages 5,8,10,13&15 & even they've had enough of his antics. My husband goes to work at 4am and doesn't get back until around half 2ish so by the time he comes home his exhausted too but helps out still but the way my toddler is, its really taking a toll on the whole family. None of my other children were like this at this age not to this extent anyway. I don't know what i expect from this post, i suppose its to vent and see if anyone else is in the same boat as me and maybe if anyone has any kind advice. 😭😭

It's a difficult one, OP, because I would have said some kids are just like that but because you've had 5, you obviously have lots of experience with toddlers.

Mine is a bit like that now but nearly 3. To be honest, I just tire him out in the garden, parks, soft plays etc almost daily until he's exhausted with playing and then he settles better. I totally get this might not be doable though

Are you suspecting a SEND need? In which case a visit to a health visitor or doctor might be the way to go.

I actually dread going out with him which is really unfair on my other children 😔 but i know exactly what would happen. I do already have my 15 year old who has diagnosed adhd and suspected autism, my 10 year old is awaiting an appointment for autism/adhd and my 5 year old has also just been referred for suspected adhd too, so it is possible he could have some SEND needs, which ive already said to my husband i think he has but like i said even my children who are diagnosed/suspected, even they weren't at this level. Its really hard at this age too because i feel if you do mention to 'experts' or to nursery staff about suspected send they don't really take it seriously because his only 2, so i dont even feel supported in that aspect either 😣😞