My son who was the most perfect baby up until 2 weeks ago now no longer sleeps through the night and throws huge fits during the day. He is clingy and fussy. Most of the time I just let him go because I'm not giving in, but it feels like it's too soon for "fits"
Any suggestions? Thanks!!!
Try redirecting his fits. I never found that ignoring them worked for us. My kids get in trouble for the fits. Even when they were two. If they started a fit in public, we left where we were. If they started a fit at home, they got time out. I just can't deal with the tantrums. Not to say they don't all still have their moments, but we don't ignore. And 14 months is not too early....it stinks, but it's defnitely not too early.
I have a son who was definitely NOT the most perfect baby, LOL. He's what they call "spirited". And he was absolutely the hardest from about 1 1/2 to 2 1/2. Not constant, but he had phases where he was very not poster child. He would be night and day different depending on if he was in or out of one of them.
To give you a silver lining, I noticed that after these phases ended, he had made big leaps in development. So, I figured that his body was spending its energy on becoming more intelligent and there wasn't much left for self-regulation. That was all he was able to do.
I hadn't known about the book "Playful Parenting" if I could go back in time and give myself this, I would. It may have saved me some very trying days. I found it around 3 and from that point on, it saved me thousands of "battles". Sometimes putting things in a different context gets rid of the fits that little ones have.
Totally normal, Terrible 2s are a misunderstood thing before you have your own kids, you think it is only the year after they turn two - it is really more like from 1-4, in varying degrees! Both myy kids started tantrums around 1, got to its worst around 2, and is still an occassional thing with my 3 and a half year old, and very prevalent with my 19 months old! It is normal, they are learning they are independant and that that CAN actually make choices and control some things in their lives, and are trying desperately to do so!
Try to pre-empt them by keeping the routine of the day, order of things done, try to ease transitions with a timer - "when the time goes beep we will start to clean up the toys so we can have lunch" etc. Make sure the child is not overly tired, hungry, or tirsty - many times those things can trigger tantrums, and the child can't tell you yet what he needs - so offer a drink, a snack,or a nap!
Good Luck! Sometimes they just need a time out - not punishment style, just some quiet time in their crib in their room, or in a quiet area in a play pen...kids get overwhelmed too!
Jessie
lol no it's not too soon for fits, not at all, just keep doing what you're doing, it's hard at first, but AS LONG as you stand your ground with him and be consistant, it'll get easier...my daughter (8) used to pull fits from hell as a toddler, but i did stay consistant, asked for help when i needed a break, and have very little problems with her now
My 9 month old has hit the terrible two's. For real! The pediatrician said that by definition, the terrible two's actually describes the first 2 years of the child's life. So yes... let the head butting between you and your little one begin. Now is the age that he'll want to start being more independant, but he needs you 24/7... and kids that age can't grasp that they can't have both! Like I said, my 9 month old is going through this, so count your blessings and be glad your son waited until 14 months!! My daily mantra 'it's just a phase, it's just a phase'... and then comes the 'trying three's'. Hang in there sweetie, mom's before you have survived it and you will too!! :)
LOL! terrible twos? just wait until hes three.
its not too soon for this behavior. he has a need, and he has no idea how to express it. this is so common for this age. your job is to try your best to figure out what he needs, and fulfill that need!! this is part of being a mom. it has nothing to do with giving in, or spoiling him (hes not rotting after all) - you are doing what you have to do to fulfill the needs of your son, and there is never anything wrong with that. so if he needs extra snuggle time, give it to him (to the best of your ability) - dont worry if the dishes dont get done or the floors dont get cleaned. let the laundry pile up for a bit. just give your son the best you can give him; your time.
to help you out, you can get a moby wrap (now available at target!) or some kind of carrier, put him in it, and let him be close to you while you go about your daily chores. ;)
anyway, good luck. you can figure this one out. you are the mom; your instincts are the only ones that can figure out what he needs and they are the only ones that matter! :)
how about having his ears checked....& are his molars in?
I vouch to that one. My son is 16 months and has one hell of a tantrum.
They can start to become like this around this age , my son did and he is still like it and he's now 7!!!.....no sorry it's not that bad but he does have his moments. Any behaviour you do not find acceptable , make sure to tell him and be persistent with what you will and will not tolerate. But for the clingy and fussy side and the waking in the night , that could be teeth , possibly the back teeth , they would come through around now.
Terrible twos start early, but it could be other factors, too, like molars coming in (they can take a while), changes in his familiar sleep cycle; or any kind of change (even the weather). You know your child better than anyone and may be able to tell if his fits and clinginess are manipulative or out of inability to soothe himself/not feeling right/ or whatever. Just consider other factors that could be causing the upset before you decide not to give in.
mine started throwing fits b4 1 year old.
