OK - BTDT moms of spirited kids - I need strength!!!!

Someone flicked a switch in Cailen and turned off Mr. Happy lately. I know he has been sick, and he is probably teething (I'll work this excuse until college!), but its getting to the point where EVERYTHING is a battle - even his favorite activities. And everything turns him into a screaming purple ball of snotty fury. He had 4 time outs today.

He has learned if he is mad he can hit the wall, and he does, or the floor. But it still doesn't make the same impact as hitting mommy or throwing something. ignore and wordlessly send him to time out, and he'll stand there like a trooper and cry. But it seems that he is always screaming, throwing, doing his hissy fit dance about somehting.

I feel so badly for him. I want him to be his happy self.

Tell me theres a light at the end of this whiny, hysterical tunnel!!!

Re: OK - BTDT moms of spirited kids - I need strength!!!!

DS is younger but is a whiner. I have a hard time with it. I can't stand whining. Yet, it takes every bit of patience I have.

It's a power struggle. They just see how far they can go. What you willing to give in and push your button as much as possible if you don't give in on something else.

They are not mean. They are learning how they fit in the family, in society. They don't understand they don't have free range and they are boundaries.

Of course.... it's exhausting on the mommies!!!!

Re: OK - BTDT moms of spirited kids - I need strength!!!!

Yes there is an end...kind of...

Just dont EVER give in. Especially with toddlers and young children. You give in just once and you're out of the game...

With older kids you can sometimes give in a bit. They understand that there are special circumstances sometimes....

Example: Caden knows the sound of each and every door that opens and closes. He'll make a beeline right to that door when he hears it open. He's not allowed in say the bathroom alone. So he's not happy when I shoo him out and tell him NO. It would be easier to let him explore for 5 minutes and leave on his own...but then I wouldnt be teaching him to listen to me. So I just remind myself that there is a bigger picture...

Re: OK - BTDT moms of spirited kids - I need strength!!!!

I dk..both of mine are extemely high spirited. Maybe hes still not feeling well from the shot or hes fustrated for some reason?
what do u mean by even fights with his favorite acitivites?

Re: OK - BTDT moms of spirited kids - I need strength!!!!

Its not whining. Its howling. It only bothers me because I know he is so upset. My thing is I don't give in, so I am working hard. He loves throwing his dirty clothes into his frog hamper. This morning it was a full blown tantrum about it. He wants something, I give it to him, shakes his head no and throws it on the floor. He had a tantrum, hit me, and went to time out. After, he calmed down. I told him to come to me in a gentle voice and he collapsed into my arms sobbing. Its breaking my heart. Even his strawberries this morning was an issue. He wanted to throw half a bowl into the garbage. Another ten minute blow out when I wouldn't let him!!!

Re: OK - BTDT moms of spirited kids - I need strength!!!!

mikayla was like that for a few weeks, now she is a bit better but I do not see a complete end to her strong willed attitude anytime soon

Re: OK - BTDT moms of spirited kids - I need strength!!!!

If you are consistent in how you deal with it, and you don't cave, yes, it will get better. This is particularly difficult time because he's just learning to assert his independence. As he grows more and can do more for himself, I suspect he'll grow out of the attitude a little, just as Alex did

Re: OK - BTDT moms of spirited kids - I need strength!!!!

DD yells, screams, whines, throws and hits all day... ALL DAY. I think it's a phase (I hope it's a phase, lol).