I've started typing this post many times over the last few months but then decided to wait, hoping that my son was just going through a phase. I don't think it's a phase. He gets angry and frustrated SOOO easily. Here are some examples: when trying to fit a shape into a shape sorter, he'll try for about 3 seconds, and if he can't get it, he grunts and throws the shape. Then I'll tell him, "You're frustrated that you can't fit that shape in there, I know, but we don't throw our toys." He'll then proceed to pick up another one and throw it. This morning, he was in my lap when I started walking back to his room to put him in his play clothes for the day, and he started squirming and squealing and swatted me in the face. (These are merely examples of the MANY mini-meltdowns we have throughout most days.)
I've been doing time-outs which I am not sure he's grasping the concept of, and I will continue with them like the Supernanny does.
I am so saddened by the fact that my son does not seem like an inately happy person and I hate seeing him get frustrated so easily. I guess the main reason for my post is to hear from others who deal/have dealt with a child like this . . . how do you help your child? How do you keep yourself from getting frustrated and from thinking that you are doing something wrong?
(BTW, I ordered the Love and Logic books this morning and will begin reading them and applying some of the strategies as soon as they arrive.)
Thanks for any support you can give me! :)
My daughter was that way and it started that early. I noticed her frustration level was highest when we were in the house for too long. Along with the normal time outs and redirecting i made sure I scheduled outside park time for her to run and play to get her frustration and energy out. This seemed to help her attitude and mine. good luck
I would have ECI evaluate him. It could be nothing, but better safe than sorry. Is he speech delayed at all? I wish you much luck. I know this is difficult to handle!
Don't beat yourself up...my dd is the same way and she is now 7 and going into the second grade and is part of the gifted and talented program at her school. I agree with the earlier post of putting the shape sorter up for a few weeks then getting it out again later. You are doing a good job with the time outs and you cannot go wrong with the love and logic. One thing that helped me was to remove triggers for my dd. She is very tacktile in her learning and did great with taking things apart and then putting them back together but she had a time with just looking at picture books (too slow) so we put those away and that helped. Just try to make a list in your head of what starts the melt downs and then see if you can transition into them differently and see if that helps. Like the getting the play clothes on have him walk down the hall or let him pick from 2 choices of outfits and see if that makes a difference. With a 17 mt old they are learning what they can and cannot control and if they can control you with what they will or will not do. I hope this helps. Keep up the good work.
My son throws toys also and gets frustrated. I say We don't throw our toys and I have him pick them up. Our son is 2, going on 3 in Sept.
We've used ECI-Early Childhood Intervention. They are a free service to get your child tested. We got our child evaluated (they come to your home) and we found out our child is behind. He qualified for services and so he is getting therapy. Right now it doesn't cost us anything. ECI is only good till 3 years old, so after he turns 3 we will have to find another provider-Parenting Center or the Child Study Center.
They help you sooo much as a Parent. They give you other things to try with your child. You can ask questions and get so much help from them as a parent. I would highly recommend them.
Love and Logic is great, we've been using some techniques from them- especially the Uh Oh one, a little room time.
Maybe some of the toys he has are hard for him. Put away the shape sorter for awhile and bring out in a few weeks. Try some easier toys for him, maybe he is a little behind? You could try working with him more on the shape sorter and showing him how you do it and show him pictures of circles, squares, the shapes and maybe that might help also.
Good Luck
He does seem a little young to be acting that way <just my opinion> maybe you should talk to your dr or like the previous person posted ECI. Does he seem to be hitting milestones on target?
I have a 2 1/2 year old daughter and I don't remember her acting that way at that age. She throws a few fits now at 2 1/2 but nothing like that. I also have a 17 month old son who is severely delayed. i dont think you are doing anything wrong, dont beat yourself up about it! just get advice from an expert - they can piece it together for you. It possible that its something very simple
