Parenting Advice For A First Time Mom

[cfred]

Ahhh, he's heading into his 'terrible twos'. My nephew, who's in my daycare, is turning 2 next month and his mom is seeing lots of the same behaviours. Kids this age are starting to gain more autonomy. You're likely going to start hearing the word NO a lot in the not too distant future (big power word for the little guys). He wants more decision making power, independence and is honing his skills at pushing your buttons. He's trying to figure out how to get what he wants, when he wants it. Now you just have to step in and guide him in the right direction.

While it's easier to quiet him by giving him what he wants, you're setting yourself up for lots of problems later on. We've all seen those kids who we view as 'spoiled' and (I hate to use the term) bratty. He's not likely to grow out of this and he's learning from you that if he kicks up a fuss, he'll get what he wants. This will definitely escalate. I'd be more inclined to ignore his tantrum. So long as it's not destructive to himself, others or the environment around him, the less of an audience he has, the better. If he ups the anty by breaking things or becoming physical, then it's time for a break in his crib/bed or perhaps a time out. But definitely, positively DO NOT give in to this behaviour.....ever. Perhaps if he comes to you with a request and asks for it in a positive manner (provided the request is reasonable), then you could give him that and praise him for asking in such a nice way. If he pulls a tantrum in a store (it's awful and we've all been there), the shopping trip is over. At least that's the way I did it with my kids. I've had to leave a store or 2 with a kicking screaming toddler/preschooler under my arm like a football. Our in store tantrums were very, very short lived.

If going into the fridge is against your household rules, then it's unacceptable that he's doing that. I didn't allow it with my children when they were young either. My daycare children have all tried it, but quickly learned that it's not ok and don't go for it any more. Be firm, pull him away from the fridge and explain that it is not ok to go into it. If he does that little screaming thing, kicking, hitting and acts defiant when you tell him no and try to remove him, then it's time for a time out. Otherwise, just keep repeating the whole process till he gets it. And do keep asking him if he wants juice, snack, etc. That's good that he's repeating it.....soon enough he'll start to ask you without the prompts.

I hope this helps. These are things I did with my own kids and continue with my daycare children. If I can keep a room with 5 toddlers under control, I figure it must work. Good luck!!!