My Son Is Making Me Nuts

his age would be helpful...

My son is doing the same thing with me. We had WWIII & IV last night. Teenage years should be fun. Times like last night really make me consider him being an only child! LOL Seriously though, for me, the "nuts" times make me value the wonderful times. But take note that you are not the only one going through this. Mine just turned 2 in March and boy has it been fun since!

Hello J., For a moment I thought you were decribing my son (except for the dog)! How old is your son? My son is 3 years 4 months and has become MASTER POWERSTRUGGLE! He is a only child and we have no pets but the "driving me crazy" motto has been in FULL FORCE all week! I work partime so he is in daycare at a in-home daycare with children his age and he loves it. I feel luck to "have my cake and eat it too" because I get to be at home with him every other day...BUT...the past few days have been tough! We have had a hard time listening, he seems to whine more than talk like a big boy and seems to get frustrated easily and has a complete meltdown. We have modified his diet....no processed sugar etc. I know he is 3 and I do not put too many expectations on him but it seems to be he has regressed in his behavior....or lets hope it is just a phase. I have used Love&Logic discipline method since he was very young and it has seemed to be the method of choice...until now seems like the charm of it has worn off. I feel your pain and frustration. Know you are not alone.

I know that you will either think this is cop out or being flippant. But with that said your son is going through one of those stages that none of us like. I have 3 kids (2 boys and girl)and they are all older (my youngest is 10) have gone through saucy, stubborn times. I have just gritted my teeth and stuck to my rules and it has not been easy but I and the kids survived. My most unfavorite time has been 13 - 14 - when the hormone things starts going. I used to tell our oldest that he would be lucky to live to be 14. Our next is just about there and it will be intersting to see how a girl acts. Perhaps interesting is not the right word?

Be as calm as possible at all times. Be firm. Be consistent. Follow through with consequences. Reward positive behavior. Two is difficult, but 3 and 4 and 5 are much harder. Get a handle on the situation now, so later years will be happier for everyone. Good luck!!

The book Love and Logic would be great for you!!

My son is 2 1/2 and I feel like this at times too! My guy also chases our dog around and doesnt seem phased by any discipline efforts most of the time. My best advice to you is to pray about it, seek support (which you have already started), and make a discipline plan and STICK TO IT. Kids are smart and they will figure out how to manipulate you. I think that having a strong willed child will just be difficult...maybe even most of the time. However, it is important for you to know that you are not alone. When it gets really rough sometimes I keep a journal just to get my feelings out and see that it is not really as bad as it seems. I also really try to reward good behaviors and treasure the "good moments." Many people have told me that it is good to have a strong willed child, because when they become a teen, they will have no trouble standing up to peer pressure :) I keep trying to remind myself of this.