Two Year Old Tantrums

I would recommend the Nanny to the Rescue book. It's been extremely helpful for us. It's a great book to help you know what discipline at what age and consistency with it and other questions you may have. There are 2 Nanny books, but this one is from birth to six. The other book is Nanny to the Rescue again and that's from ages seven to twelve. Also, I got my books from Amazon.com used for $1 each. Although I don't even think they were used because they were in perfect condition. Well, hope this helped. Good luck

My older son used to be like that, now my little one is getting there too, so i know how you feel. My oldest is in play therapy, she told me that when he behaves like that to get him sit him in your lap and hold him down for like 30-45 seconds, dont do it for very long, then explain to him that whatever he did was no nice, we dont behave like that, then let him go, if he does it again even if it is right after hold him again (same amount of time everytime) with the same explanation, My older one is alot better now, he doesnt even do anything to his little brother when he tries to "beat" him up (usually)!!! Good Luck i know its frustrating, but hang in there he will outgrow it!! btw i tried taking the toys, the chart (although i was not told about the blessing one so im ganna have to try that), time out and even spanking nothing worked (actually they laugh at me, go figure), they are some hard headed, stubborn boys.

It does get easier. Consistency is the key. You are right though that the time out is not going to help because the punishment does not meet the crime. Keep your cool and lead by example. Also, watch his diet. This happened w/my son too, especially if he had eaten stuff w/red dye. I remembered going to school w/ a guy who was allegic to red 40 and would be very agitated if he had any. Avoiding the dye and excessive sugar (corn syrup) has helped a lot. Good luck!

I so sympathize! My almost 3-year old has been difficult for me, too. The thing that usually helps when he is having a tantrum is when I ask: do you need a hug? and he realizes he does. He's gotten to the point where he shifts to asking for a hug himself ('I need a huuuuug! Buhuuuuu!')instead of focusing on whatever it was that started the tantrum.

It's worth a try!

I also talked to him about being angry, that it's ok and that we all get angry sometimes. I was careful to specify that it is ok to cry and even to hit a pillow or the sofa, but no throwing hard things that could hurt someone or something. So while we still have kicking and screaming at least once a day, it does not lead to physical violence, and usually ends in a hug.

Good luck.
G.

I agree with holding your son, with a nurturing, firm "I am the mommy" touch. My words to accompany such an effort are more along the lines of
"I see you are really .... (angry, frustrated, hurt). I care about you deeply, and I'm going to stay with you while you have these hard feelings. All is well, and this will pass. I care about what you feel and say."

Just another approach. You can try it.

I would suggest that you come up with a chart. I use a chart that I got at a homeschool convention from Doorposts, but you can come up with your own. You need to have two one that is the "If-Then chart" and use clip art or pictures out of a magazine showing a behavior that is under the "if" column then under the "then" column you can have a picture of a consequence. Then you go over it with him like "if you do ______ then you will get _____". At his age it will take a little bit, but if you are consistent with it and EVERY time he does a behavior you take him to the chart and point at it and say, "Since you threw that toy then the toy is taken away from you". Or whatever you come up with a consequence. On the other chart that is the Blessing Chart and you have two columns-one that shows a good behavior then a reward for it. Such as you can choose to place a sticker or whatever then at the end of the day if he has a sticker on the chart then let him have an extra privaledge. You know best what his currency is. I have learned that if you only have a discipline chart without the blessing chart, you still will not get the desired result. I have also used "Corretive Correction" by Lisa Welchel and that is a good source too. It is just that kids especially boys want tangible things and the chart is a good way to show that. If you want to look at the charts that I have they are on www.doorposts.net they have a lot of resources on there. Good Luck!