Screaming toddler

I love my almost 20 month old, but he's a monster. Nothing too over the top crazy, but sooooo stubborn. If he doesn't get what he wants the moment he wants it he screams. He snaps out of it fast... Sometimes. Just tough sometimes out. He's a wonderer too. If I let him down out of his stroller when we are out he would be off and touching everything. He's curious about everything too. He hates being confined and will scream if he's held too long.
In library class he's the only one wondering around the class knocking on the door, taking the teachers books, grabbing at anything.
I know it's normal toddler behavior, but I think he's a little over the top. Then again it could be totally normal. He's very smart too. Lots of words and understands everything.

Just curios bc he's my second and DS1 was never like this. He stayed by me and liked to be held. He wasn't into everything and wanted to run. Of course he would wonder off at that age, but sometimes look back for me and come back.
We just got back from vaca. DS 2 tried to get away from us on the beach any moment he could. Wouldn't sit still to color like DS 1 did and does. Everything lasts a short time then needs a new activity. The plane ride wasn't easy bc he doesn't want to be confined so he would scream once in a while. Was able to snap out of it fast till we landed and taxi'd for 45 mins. He was overtired and screaming.
Ugh!
Sorry so long, but any advise?

Re: Screaming toddler

He's a 20 month old!

If he was sitting and coloring for hours... There would be something wrong with him!

Love him, hug him, drink alcohol when flying and remember that this too shall pass!

Re: Screaming toddler

It's not easy but my best advice is don't give into the tantrums, even in public. The quicker you learn to ignore them and walk away the quicker they kinda stop and they realize that wont work with you. M is a lot like him, the only thing that works are snacks and my phone. So if I need her to be quiet then that is what she gets. Otherwise I ignore it.

Re: Screaming toddler

I have one of each at the same time. One of my twins is crazy! this too shall pass

Screaming toddler

No advise here, just hugs, cuz my 18 mo old is the same way. And yes, even worse when he is over tired and will only nap in his crib or car seat and with a paci and blankie. We are still drinking milk from a bottle for this reason too. This too shall pass... but not soon enough!

Screaming toddler

That's how my DS1 was. He would get into EVERYTHING all the time while everyone else's kids would be knitting in a corner :P He outgrew it but is still very active and inquisitive. Not bad qualities at all, actually great qualities...just tiring for mama.

As far as the tantrums when he wants something, I found offering him a choice of two totally things always helped distract him. Like if he was screaming for ice cream, I would say ok, we can have that tomorrow but what should we have for lunch? Pizza or chicken? That would usually work. Just be thankful he gets over it fairly quick :)

Re: Screaming toddler

DD is a whiner and sort of a screamer when she doesn't get her way. I ignore it. She is looking for attention whether positive or negative. I feel like she is never satisfied with what she gets...ie i want the blue fork...give her the blue one...no I want the red one...and so on and so on...if I keep addressing her screaming she keeps going.

As far as the library and touching everything he's 20 months old totally normal. I just try to redirect them when possible.

Screaming toddler

One of mine is the same way, the other is not as bad. As far as the wandering goes, I have cute stuffed animal backpack leashes for them if they won't hold my hand or sit in the stroller, (or squirm their way out of the stroller). Usually she will fight me and lay on the floor if she doesn't want to hold hands. They have to hold my hand or be in the stroller but if for some reason she throws herself on the ground or I am afraid she is going to dislocate her shoulder (which I did when I was two) I have the leash around my wrist.

I could care less if people think it's crazy I have to use the leash. If they don't understand, their children must have been much more docile than mine are. My girls have been coordinated for a very long time. All of my friends and family that have seen how much they can do tell me that their kids were not that capable (since 12 months old). Mostly, when I have them on their backpacks people ask me where I got them (at Target) and tell me they are going to pick up one for their runners.