Temper

I found a lot of my frustration as a young mother stemmed from not understanding the child's developmental abilities. Being able to "see" things from their point of view, coming down to their level instead of talking at them from above, giving them time to express themselves, etc...are all good strategies.
Dr. Sears is a great non-combative gentle discipline resource. His website is http://www.askdrsears.com/about.asp

good luck!

L., if this child is causing you this much stress I suggest you stop having him come over. The last thing you want is to lose your temper with someone else's child and the stress on you is not healthy for you and your family.

Hey L.! Well, I completely understand what you are talking about. I think you should consider not watching your friend's child anymore. Unlike everyone's advice, I would tell her in a nice manner that her son has trouble listening to you! You shouldn't have to put yourself under added stress, because we all know life is stressful enough. Besides, you may start getting a short fuse w/ your son, too! I say, talk to your friend...and tell her she needs to have a chat w/ him if she wants you to keep watching him. If nothing changes, then don't watch him anymore. You say your son is well behaved, well...that could change if he sees this little guy getting away w/ everything and driving you crazy!! Then, you would have an even bigger problem, because you can't give your little guy back at the end of the day:)

Hi L.,
I would like to hear things get better for you, in meantime, I would really love you decide to tell your friend you cannot watch her son for the time being. you don't have to give a reason as to why. I am saying this because there are a lot of things happening to kids, and you sound to be a very reasonable person considering you have posted about this problem. For the time being would be best if your friend doesn't bring her son over and you make an appt with your doctor and tell him this. Now kids, truth be told even the most patient person in the world can sometimes get aggrivated esp. by the unreasonable toddlerhood. we all know that. i cope with it by tightening my jaw. sometimes the girls get that bad and out of control that i just sit and cry. otehr times i totally take control over myself, give time out in their room and leave until i calm down.
if you feel anger taking over you, leave the room, leave your son in his room safe but step away for a bit, balcony, grage or just go sit or lie down.
things will get better as they grow up and understand more (still waiting on that phase) but for not take care of yourself and your son
all the best
vlora

try doing some yoga...take a meditation class...it's really helped me with my short fuse and helps me to put things in perspective when I'm in that kind of situation.

good luck
F.

Hi L.....I am responding because I myself watch my friends son, and he has troubles following directions sometimes, and I just laugh in frustration sometimes.I agree with the other post about understanding there milestones, and toddlerhood things.I would just get down to his level and eplain to him that this behavior is not acceptable(use the big words, and then explain)....If he is throwing toys.....example: This behavior is not acceptable.You do not throw toys.If you throw any moe toys you will go in time out.
Then walk away.....continue to talk with him about what is acceptable...If he is sharing...example: Wow (use his name) I am very proud of you for sharing your toys with (your sons name)He loves to play with you.
Try it...give praise
If you dont think that it is a good idea that you watch your friends son anymore, than just tell her. You dont need to go into detail, but if she seems persistent, you can explain that you are stressed, and you need to take care of yourself before you can take care of her son.