2 Year Old Behaves and Is Fun with Everyone Else Except Me

Small comfort that you're his favorite when this is how he shows it, huh? Are you maybe taking too much responsibility for his behavior? It's not your job to calm him down, it's his. I'm quite sure from what you've said that you've taught him how to be comforted and distracted. Now he's old enough to start practicing on his own. Instead of trying to "fix it" when he whines, tell him you're sorry he's upset and ask him to come play with you when he's done. Then try to ignore it and happily focus on him only when he's in a better "mood."

relax- we all agree,

your child feels safe with you. children will not act out if they dont feel its a safe environment.

my boys were same way- which is the best. so many kids behave around mom and dad and are terrors when they arent looking. parents will never believe their kids arent angels.

plus when you kid behaves for others they will want him around more- giving you more breaks.

i know you want to be the fun one and play and bond , just know that you have bonded and you will again. it is just a phase and there really isnt anything you can do to MAKE your child behave differently.

you can set whatever rules, bounderies you want and eventually he will give in and thats fine- or if things are fine the way they are except you feel left out- just let them go their natural course.

keep up the good work.

My son is kind of like this (also 2), but with both my husband and myself. We moved almost 2 months ago and have been attributing it to all the changes in his life and also to the "terrible 2's." Has your son had any changes in his life lately?

In any event, my mom always tells me, and I tend to agree, that kids take almost everything out on their mothers (and sometimes fathers). They know we'll always keep trying to please them and will be there for them, so they try to get away with everything they can. I wouldn't take it personally at all and I think what you are trying to do is about all you can do.

Your husband is wrong, however, that it is all YOUR job to find a way to make it stop. Can you try putting him to bed together a few nights and see how that works? Or try implementing a new bedtime routine? My son started fighting bedtime after our move so I started letting him come into our bed about 1/2 hour before bedtime and just read books with one or both of us. He has started to love that special time now.

Good luck. You're not alone!

My MIL always says if your child behaves well for everyone else except you, you're probably doing most things right! LOL

However, I understand your frustration with the behavior. My two boys know every button of mine to push and act much better for my husband because he doesn't put up with it to the extent that I do.

Here are a couple of things that I suggest: set your child up to succeed at good behavior (instead of setting them up for failure to teach a lesson) and then praise praise praise the good behavior. You might have to start out with something very small like "I really like how you put your book in the basket--thank you!" And really emphasize praising every single little good behavior--catch him at being good.

Psychologically I think children want to please, and they notice and react when that praise is given often. It sticks a lot more strongly than constant punishment.

I hope you get lots of great advice from all of the other moms out there!! Good luck

C.

Sounds to me like you have a 2 year old on your hands. Here are 2 suggestions. One try and pre-empt the behavior, if it is bedtime take his favorite book and say "I'm going read this book and go to bed now, do you want to come with me?" If he doesn't respond, then just sit down and start reading the book out loud and see if he comes and sits on your lap. If so then when you’re done with that book ask if he would like to hear another, if so say your tried so you want to go lay down while you read the book...
My other suggestion is when he starts to throw a fit pick simple say "Honey, I'm going to go play trucks, when you get done crying, you can come play with me." Then go and start playing loudly with his trucks, until playing trucks seems like more fun than throwing fits.
Also, at a point and time when you are not in the heat of a fit ask your husband to give you some pointers on how to handle the situation better. You may need to let him know that telling someone they need to do something they are obviously trying to do to no avail is not helpful, it actually stresses the person out even more making the task at hand more difficult.
Good luck! And remember your feelings are important too!

Congratulations! Your child loves you and is comfortable with you! A lot of kids at his age are good "with everyone else" except their parents (or in your case, you). Your son feels like he can be himself around you and can let loose. My guess/assumption is that your son spends more time with you than with your husband, therefore is more comfortable with you. Yes, it is a phase and will end. Remain calm and patient. Reward the good behavior and ignore (as best you can) the bad behavior. It may help to try to distance yourself a little too. Let your son get comfortable with your husband too. When he does, your husband will see that it isn't you who has to work it out!