Help with a 2Yr Old

a couple things that work for me, are if I get too stressed and i cant get away for a little while. I strap him in the stroller, and go for a walk. Great stress reliever and the fresh air is good for my sons and make everything a little bit better.
Also just taking them to the park and letting them run off there energy.....while i watch and talk to other moms.
Maybe join a mom group for playdates.

It sounds like you need a break.
I don't know your situation but I know I need a break from my daughter from time to time.

Other ideas... go to the park, library, friends house, grandparents house, set him up with some playdough or something else he will get stuck in to for a while... for my daughter it is usually standing on a chair washing the dishes in the sink...(i am with her, but she is happy and I can relax, just keep some towels handy..hehe)

Learn how to recognize that you're could be getting close to that crazy feeling but not feeling crazy yet. Then experiment with different things that bring you back to center.

For me I've found that it really helps if I can let go of feeling that I have to do or to complete anything. I stop what I'm doing and do something with my daughter and now my grandchildren. I'm the sort who wants to finish whatever I've started before I stop. If I'm doing dishes, I want them in the dishwasher, the sink and counters clean and perhaps even the floor swept. This doesn't work with children or for me even being on time when I have an appointment. so stopping and playing with my child was not easy for me to do. However, pushing ahead only leads to whiny people, both the children and me, and eventually to my crazy yelling.

A 2yo needs lots of attention. They also need to be reassured often that they are loved. The lack of attention, especially if you're in a different room and can't be seen by them, can cause them to misbehave or get clingy and whiny. So, before they get this way, give them attention. Having them "help" or at least be in the same room helps. Divert their attention to a new activity before the old one gets boring. But, for me, the most important thing to do was to take frequent breaks from what I was doing, letting go of my goal to be done by a certain time or to even doing the task at all, and getting involved with the toddler/child was the most important thing that I could do to stop feeling crazy.

Also, it's important to leave when you're feeling so crazy you just want to leave. It's OK to take a break for yourself. Try to do that before you feel crazy. While he's quiet and playing, sit down and do something for yourself. The dishes will always be there. It was difficult for me to let go of the need for a neat house and a clean sink. Now I'm having to relearn wanting a neat house. I'm still wanting a clean sink. :):)

I agree with Kim C. and Jennifer C. Mom's need time away from their children. Plan time for a regular break and take that break before you need it. Find someone who will watch your son so that you are completely free of the responsibility of watching him. Go to a movie, go shopping, take a walk, work out at they gym or community center. Regularly do something that you enjoy doing. I used to fix dinner for my family, leave my husband or mother-in-law with the kids and go out to eat my dinner. Some weeks I did this 2-3 times. Other weeks not at all, depending on my mood.

And, I believe that we are hearing an over-emphasis on not watching TV in reaction to the reality that too many children watch way too much TV. Moderation is the key. And I strongly believe that having a child watch TV is much healthier than having them deal with a "crazy" mother.

You are not alone. It takes time to learn how to manage ourselves and our baby/toddler/child so that we feel crazy less often. Too often, as young mothers, we get so caught up in doing things right that we get lost along the way. We focus on others to the detriment of ourselves. If we don't take care of ourselves first we do get crazy and feel inadequate. Take 10 deep breaths anytime that you're feeling tense. That will help too.

I agree with what a lot of the other Mom's posted but also want to add that having a schedule and predictable discipline help. If a kid, even a 2 yr old, can start to see patterns it helps. My daughter is 2 and tanyrumming at times. We carry her to her room and tell her she can come out when she is done crying.
I agree with others moms. Somestimes tv can be a lifesaver. A lot of times kids want attention the most when we need a break the most. Taking a break to cuddle or go on a walk may be what's needed. A two year old is learning how to control his or her surroundings.
Also, I cannot overemphasize the importance of having other moms to vent to. You are not alone. Playdates ate great for both you and your kid!

Everyone gets frustrated sometimes, but if you are really feeling like you need to escape, you might want to consult a professional about your mental health, it could be a sign of depression.

I hope you feel better,
M.

It would be helpful if we knew more about your situation. Judging by your picture, you are a young, first time mom. Mom's groups can be great. There are usually playdates where you can meet and talk to other mom's while the kids are busy playing. It doesn't say if you work outside of the home, or if you are a stay-at-home mom. If you work, see if you can work-out before going home, get that endorphin rush going, and maybe you'll have more energy to deal with a 2 yr. old. All you need is to get your heart rate up for 20 mins. a day. Finding a mother's helper in the neighborhood can also be great. This could be a 10-12 yr. old who would watch him/play with him while you are home. This give you some time where you are at home, but not always "on" while the tween is earning babysitting skills.
Give us better info, and I'm sure we can give you better ideas.
R.

Remember that he is only 2 years old. You are his world. He is learning everything from you. Read some books on how to deal with children if you don't know how to discipline him without yelling at him, and then keep yourself centered by remembering how much you love him. Look at him when he's sleeping. Journal about what frustrates you, and journal about how much you love him and what your hopes are for his future. Find a way to have some "me" time as often as you can so you will cherish the time you have together. Count your blessings and how lucky you are that he is not _____ (fill in the blank with something bad some other kids have that he doesn't), and how lucky you are that you have _____________(fill in the blank with the things you are grateful that you have that others on the planet have to go without)

When you feel like screaming at him, walk away.

Just watch the news and you'll find yourself loving him and being grateful for his existance. Every day there is some horrible story on the news about a child drowning, children being abused and neglected, children missing... Hug your child every day. Embrace this difficult age and know that he melts down because he is frustrated at the world around him and counts on you to help keep him safe and feel loved.

You sound like a very tired mom. Is there a father or grandparent who can give you little breaks? If you are staying at home all the time that is not a good thing. Thank God the weather is getting better. Put child in stroller and go the mall, park or in your neighborhood and walk. You need to connect with other moms. Go to your local library. They usually have programs for young children. Does your community have programs for young children? You also need to make time for yourself. Children like routine. Start a daily routine with him and be patient as he gets used to a set routine. You may start to see improved behavior. Even if he is not napping anymore make him take that time to lay quietly in his bed maybe with a picture book. A local church can offer you support too. You need someone to talk and confide with. If not a spouse, then a good friend.

What exactly is he doing? My daughter is the queen of driving me crazy. I have to admit that I can lose my cool sometimes and sometimes I try to reason with her. Is there anything that you can get his attention diverted to? My girls love television especially spongebob. I know, I know too much t.v. is bad and spongebob is not exactly a role model but sometimes I think we have to let things slide just to keep our sanity and keep a good relationship with our kids. So whatever you choose, good luck.

Check to see if there is a moms group in your area - you will find support for yourself and playtime with other kids for your son. Some mom groups I am aware of: Mothers & More, MOPS and Moms Club, though your community may have others. Google "moms groups", "mothers groups" etc. to find one. Sometimes you can find them on Craigslist and other message boards.

Find someone to take him for a few hours: family, a good friend you trust, someone from church or a daycare that takes drop ins. I'm also with Jennifer C.: TV can be your saving grace for a while if you just need a short break.

God bless!

There are time I want to run out the front door screaming... I have 3 little ones (6, 4 1/2 & 2 1/2) and one due in July. Plus, sleeping is getting harder becuase I have bad hips from years of working a manufacturing job - I've gotten use to them so they don't bother me most of the time, but pregnancy does put more pressure on them which causing them to get to me.

I do have more troubles dealing sometime in the winter then the summer - we fenced in our backyard w/ a 6ft wood fence so the kids have a safe place to play & I can get a few things done... dishes & some minor cleaning when they are playing - don't get me wrong I check on them often, but they are able to run off energy. We don't have a lot if any extra money, so we like going to the local Metro Parks for walks & the local schools play grounds for them to play. We do take them now & then to McD's playground for dinner, but that is not very often. When the weather is nice, I walk to pick-up my daughter from school... the school is only about 3 blocks away, but even that short of a walk can be good. Sometimes if daddy is home I go by myself, but most of the time I take the 2 1/2 yr old with me. He still like to ride in the stroller - so that is nice.

My 4 1/2 yr old goes to Headstart (preschool) 4 days a week... the bus pickes him up around noon & drop him back off around 4:30. They actually can start most preschools at 3 (which my 2 1/2 yr old will be going next year) & some of them will let them go even if they are not fully potty trained. Which to be honest my 4 1/2 yr old is my "trouble" maker most of the time - so it does help that he goes to "school" for a little while a few days a week... eventhough I do miss him when he is away.

My daughter goes to a full day kindergarden - that is all the offer in our district. They go to school from 8:00 to 2:30... os 4 days a week I only have one little one from about noon till 2:30 which makes things a little easier, but he is the one that has to be with me almost all the time. He likes sitting on the counter when I cook or do dishes, sits in my lap to watch me mess on the computer or watch tv, and is in the bathroom when I use it... he has gotten better about letting daddy run bath water, changing his diaper & getting him snacks & drinks... we just went through a spell when he would only let mom do everything & if daddy tried helping he wouldn't accept it, but thankfully he is letting daddy help again :)

I'm not sure what you son is doing to drive you crazy... they can do so much sometimes to do that. If we had some examples of what he is doing we might be able to help you a bit more, but sometimes it helps just to know you aren't along.

Take care & I hope things calm down soon!

Find a way to get a break away from him, even a hour or so, if a trusted neighbor or friend can watch him. We all feel at our wits end at some point, but you need to take a deep breath, remove yourself from the situation and come back to it once your more calm. And remember - he is only this little once, enjoy it as much as possible by looking at the positive things he brings to the day and your life, instead of focusing on the negatives and the extra work/stress he may be adding at this phase. Sometimes joining a Mom's group, like M.O.P.S , a local playgoup, or Mom's Club can get you some quality adult time with other Mommies going thru similar things as you, as well as getting your little boy some kid interaction. Just the comfort of knowing your not the only one going thru this can really help improve your patience and confidence, as well as getting tips from other mom's on how they may handle things with their own kids. Good luck and love him lots, sometimes thats all they want, is your attention.