How long do the terrible 18 months last?

DD has always been such a contented, happy baby-very laid back. In the last 2 months this has started to change.

When she doesn't get her way she stomps her feet like crazy (I find this pathetically adorable), water works, etc.
Her use of "no" and head shaking is in full force.

We haven't had the full out lay on the floor, kicking screaming tantrum, but I suspect it is not too far away.

If your child went through this stage, how long did it last and any tips?

Re: How long do the terrible 18 months last?

With Jack it lasted for almost two months I would say. Knock on wood - he's been much better lately!

Re: How long do the terrible 18 months last?

Thomas has been having full force tantrums since about 15 months, but they are way worse now at almost 22 months! I am completely overwhelmed with them and don't know how best to handle them... I imagine they will last until he's past his terrible twos (which I'm hoping will end early since they started early!).

Re: How long do the terrible 18 months last?

For us, 18 months through 24 were pretty hard b/c he wasn't saying much and couldn't verbalize his needs and wants. When he started REALLY talking and being able to request and tell us what was wrong, it got so so so much better.

But i do know that kids who can speak very well still have tantrums. It's definitely an age thing and something most kids go through. I would think it should be better soon!!

**At 29 months our son is still having mini meltdown episodes about 1 or 2 times/day. Its mostly when he is exhausted or bored.

Re: How long do the terrible 18 months last?

Until 3!!!

J/k, but I think that it comes and goes until 3-4 years of age for some kids.

Ryan would have HORRIBLE tantrums, mostly because he could not communicate with us (he has a speech delay), but lately it has gotten so much better!!! He is back to being a laid back, happy boy, that he used to be..


Now, Erin on the other hand.. she is 18 months this month.. she gets MAD the second she doesn't get what the wants.. and it's driving me crazy. We are in for it with her!

Re: How long do the terrible 18 months last?

DS seems to have phases of it. 18-20 mths were bad. then it came back a little before 22 months even worse - full on temper. But it didn' last too long, a few weeks. Now at 23 months he is happy again and behaving well.

Re: How long do the terrible 18 months last?

23 months and still going strong. My dd is VERY strong willed, she wants what she wants