Campaign
ParentingAll Ages11 Comments
Henry acting out?
No….That never happens. Ha. I wish that was a true story.
Henry whizzed through the terrible twos with just a lot of energy, not really being terrible.
The three’s have been another story. It has been very common to see a full-blown tantrum over the tiniest thing.
What I have come to learn is that my behavior affects his behavior.
I know this is basic knowledge to a parent, but it keeps getting reminded to me with every tantrum. I look at how my mood has been, and sure enough, I haven’t been in the best mood either, and probably taking it out on Henry.
But that’s not always the case…
I’m so glad to receive questions from you regarding these behavior changes of your children, and luckily for you (and me!), the experts have given their professional and personal advice to help dissolve fighting and bad behaviors from your preschoolers.
Reader Question: Demanding 2 Year Old
My 2 yr old, otherwise well behaved, has started to change. She is getting stubborn and demands things to be in a certain way in public or else she raises her voice and if she gets angry she raises her hand on me too. And when I complain about it to my hubby… she remains quiet when he asks her to apologize and not to repeat..she says sorry, but she repeats it the very next day.– asked by rafcy
Answer from Parenting Expert, Erin from The Intentional Parent:
At two years old, unfortunately what you are describing is pretty common behavior, she is testing you.
Your best strategy is to deal with her behavior in the moment.
Two year olds have short memories, and often poor self control, so asking her to apologize later in the day is of very limited usefulness.
By having your husband do the disciplining (unless he is also present when your daughter is acting out) you may be unintentionally sending the message to your daughter that you are not able to handle her behavior, and she may act even worse in public.
Here are some strategies that may work for you to deal with her behavior in the moment:
- Discuss expectations for her behavior directly before you go into the store (such as in the car in the parking lot).
- If she starts to act out give her a reminder. If she continues to act out, leave the store. Yes this is frustrating, but you should only have to do this once or twice before she gets the message. When my son was going through this phase, I made a few “unnecessary” trips to the store. This made it easier to pick up and leave if need be (it’s much more difficult to stick to this course of action if you are in the middle of your grocery shopping!).
- Give her lots of praise when she does behave well. You can also give her a reward at the end of the shopping trip if she is well behaved. Stickers are a great incentive.
- Remember, we’ve all been there as parents. Public tantrums and acting out in public are par for the course. If you are consistent in how you deal with them, they will be short lived (even though it doesn’t seem that way when you are in the moment!).
- Here is a link to a post I wrote recently on 10 techniques for dealing with toddler tantrums, which you may find useful.
Good Luck!
– Erin, The Intentional Parent
Answer from Mom Expert, Jill from A Mom with a Lesson Plan:
Oh boy do I have an answer for this one!
At age 2 kids are really starting to understand that they are their own person.
They begin to see that they have choices and that they are able to control situations.
Some kids test this more than others; Little M (now 4 ½) is a prime example. She likes what she likes, wants what she wants, and isn’t happy when she’s feeling controlled!
I have found a couple of techniques that work beautifully with her. I hope these tips help you bring on the peace, and enjoy the independence of this age!
1. Pick your battles.
You’ve heard that before, I’m sure. I take it to mean find what really matters to you and what doesn’t.
For me, fighting about which clothes she wears or how her hair is done isn’t worth it. Making sure her teeth are brushed and that she is using a kind tone are far more important.
I give her small choices EVERYWHERE it is possible.
- Would you like to dress yourself, or would you like my help?
- Would you like to climb in the car from this side or from the other side?
- I’m making your sandwich, would you like jelly or honey with your peanut butter?
Did you notice how the choices were still controlled within the question?
2. Inspire independence.
Remember that it is all about independence at this age. And independence can be a BEAUTIFUL thing!
It takes some patience (on Mom and Dad’s part) while they figure things out, but YAHOO when they do!
The biggest challenge for ME (notice I said me, because it was my desire to be in control that caused the problem) was giving Little M the freedom to choose the clothes she wears. I had to give up on the cute, perfect little girl outfits and adorable hair styles. We even went as far as setting up her dressing area so that she can reach everything. She can wear what she wants and change as many times as she wants as long as she does it all herself.
3. Shine in public.
Once you have given all of these options at home, going out should be much easier. But if she still acts up, remember that everyone has been there.
Do your best to ignore the onlookers and stick with your values. More likely than not a couple of those prying eyes are taking notes on what to do when they are dealing with the same behavior.
4. Have a backup plan.
If all else fails, I leave.
Little M gets one more choice. “Would you like to leave on your feet or in my arms.” She gets about 2 seconds to walk out before she is carried to the car.
P.S. It’s wonderful to have your husband stand up for you, and an important way to show unity. Standing up for yourself can be an important lesson too. Try this statement next time she speaks to you in a way that you don’t like: “I don’t talk to you that way, and I will not allow you to talk to me that way either. When you are ready to use a kind tone, I would love to hear what you have to say.”
You will be defending yourself, as well as teaching your daughter how to defend herself in the future.
– Jill, A Mom with a Lesson Plan
Answer from Lifestyle Expert, Sarah from Füdoo Boards:
Yup – Two year olds will do that.
Even though it is really disruptive to your world right now, there is no ignoring it.
Your child is testing her independence and forming her place in the family.
The trick is helping her find the balance between being the Big Boss (demanding) and feeling like she has no say in anything (beat down or rebelling).
I don’t think asking for an apology at the end of the day is going to work.
The behavior she is apologizing for is so long gone in her mind, any apology for it is meaningless. It might be time to turn the table around – FROM her not minding you TO focusing on being part of the team that makes up your family.
Do’s
Mom and Dad need to present a united front. You both need to agree on a plan for every time you see the unwanted behavior and stick to it. Timing and consistency is key. Deal with the behavior right when it happens. Be consistent with your words and actions and feelings when dealing with the behavior.
Here is an example plan to practice in public and at home (this came from a book I read called, Love and Logic Magic for Early Childhood, by Jim Fay – affiliate link):
- Child exhibits behavior.
- Ask for helping behavior, put your hand out, come to her level.
- Say – Oh-oh – if she still won’t help. Use these words as her cue that trouble is coming.
- If she is a helper, she gets a big HELPER high five and hug. If she doesn’t help, she is removed from the scene. Don’t use food as a reward.
I know it seems like a simple plan, but that is what you need in order to stick to it 10 times a day! Hang in there and check out the book. It got me through the tough stage you are in now.
Don’ts
- Don’t lose it. I know we are only human, but staying calm in some of these tough situations is really tough. But if you start losing it, your child will see that you have lost control. Try not to scream, but use your “I’m serious voice”. If you have to – just stay quiet.
- Don’t always be the bad guy. Let Dad take the lead on the plan on weekends or after work, just to give you a break and to reassure that you are both working together.
– Sarah, Fudoo Boards
Your Unwanted Behaviors:
- Adult Differences : What do you do when other people try and manage your child’s behaviors… even though their expectations for your child (and other children) are not developmentally appropriate? Or you have a different opinion regarding what the behavior should be in the particular situation?
- Gender Awareness: What do you do when a child in your class seems to be a little too aware of private parts & boy/girl relationships?
- Nagging Questions: How do I limit my children from asking the same question over and over?
- How to Referee Fighting Boys
WANT TO SAVE THIS ACTIVITY?
Enter your email below & we'll send it straight to your inbox so you can access this activity later! Plus, you'll get simple activities from us every week!
Chelsea says
Wow, this arrival has helped me so much as a single mother. My two year old throws tantrums anytime someone tells him the work “no”. When he is not wanting to go to bed and is throwing a tantrum should I ignore this behavior or keep telling him it’s time for a nap?
Rachel says
So glad this was helpful. It depends on your child and you. Whichever you choose, be prepared to stick with it for awhile, because consistency is key and toddlers can be stubborn! Good luck!
Frustrated Mom says
Thank you so much for all these tips. Are very useful and I’m going to apply them.
I have a 22 months old boy and I have a 4 months old baby girl. Lately his behavior that’s been challenging , and he is acting out every second :-(
Rachel says
That can be such a hard age, especially with a tiny baby too. Good luck, and I hope these ideas help!
Jaya gulabani says
Hi I’m Jaya my 2.5 year child is vry sturbbon he never listens to me even he doesn’t sit even 15min he keeps walking hole day plss suggests me what to do because sometimes it’s difficult tou handle my son Nd coz of his nature I can’t keep myself calm I offen get angry plss help
Anonymous says
Love your blog! Thank you for sharing this info and advice! I, too, was wondering what was so terrible about the terrible twos, until now that my son is nearly three. Cripes! I need to pass this info on. Thanks again :)
Author Amr Taher says
This is a most useful post. Great advice. And so practical. I'm so impressed with this blog post and will think about it when writing my next.
Alex says
We are so in the same boat :-/ with our 3 year old boys!!! A few weeks ago I felt like I was at my end, went out & picked up Happiest Toddler on the Block & got some helpful tips, but it was also good because it gave me a new zeal to be more consistent which is my biggest problem. And for the past two weeks I don't know if he's gotten better or have, but knock on wood I'm not going to bed wanting to pull my hair out.
Alexis Grace of NorthOnHarper says
I think that a lot of these lessons can be applied to adults as well!
Ms Bibi says
My boys are now 9 and 14 so the tantrums are behind us, but now the teenage hormones are starting to shows their ugly head.
I also learned that my behavior affects their behavior and it is so much easier dealing with teenager knowing this. Many times I have to step back, take a deep breath and change my mood and approach….
Nichole says
I have a 2.5 year old and we've definitely have had our share of tantrums. I've heard many say 3 is worse so I expect we have a lot more in store.