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Terrible...ones?

So if you have a child going through the terrible ones, does that mean we won't have to experience the terrible twos? For the sake of my sanity, I am going to assume yes.

These last few weeks have been...hmm, how do I say it...trying. Benjamin has been throwing several tantrums (as well as objects) and I am going crazy. I am aware that he just doesn't know how to express himself and that he is frustrated that we don't know what he wants, and I'm sure there are times when he doesn't know what he wants.  All that adds up to throwing himself on the floor in a full fledged temper-tantrum.  I tend to step over him when he does this, at which point he gets up and runs after me and either hits me or begs me to pick him up. After several weeks of this behavior, I'm honestly not sure which I prefer. (Because hitting gets him a timeout and gets me a couple minutes of peace).

It used to be so easy to keep him happy. But that was before he discovered he had a will. That he could make choices. That he could say no. Now he seems to be taking great delight in using that newfound control to make my life miserable. But I say that in jest because I actually know that he is not acting this way on purpose and that he doesn't get any satisfaction out of it. And maybe that is the hardest part of it all-seeing him so unhappy at that moment and not being able to fix it. So uh, how long does this stage last?

Comments

  1. AnonymousJanuary 4, 2010 at 9:37 AM

    Hey Allison! A great resource that I used and still use is "Creative Correction" by: Lisa Whelchel. Definitely worth having on the shelf. As to how long this phase lasts, it is what you make of it and train your child to do. They understand a lot more than we give them credit for. Hang in there!
    -Amber J.

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  2. UnknownJanuary 8, 2010 at 7:40 PM

    lol, I wish I could tell you that he won't be going through that in his 2's, but you're family and I love you so I won't lie to you. Liam still does it (although lately not quite as bad, but that will pass), and I have a friend with an almost 4 year old who still throws fits (and he is a good kid). When I find out the expiration date on tantrums I will be sure to let you know, because I too am anxious for them to be gone :)

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