Still sniffing in his sleep

Last night Dylan was an awesome kid. He told me what to do when etc as he has done for so long. Yip all figured out and it only took 2 years........NOT tonight he was a tad more tricky. Still reasonable and I almost got caught hook line and sinker but luckily put my foot down and it was back to normal.

Light bulb moment.

My friend said just when you find the answer the question changes. How true!

charnenay wrote:

Julz, I LOVE the "what you learn today, means nothing tomorrow" comment. That is 1 of the most honest things I've heard about parenting.

I have to agree ! Just when I think I have the answer, they change the question......keeps us on our toes

Julz, I LOVE the "what you learn today, means nothing tomorrow" comment. That is 1 of the most honest things I've heard about parenting.

Shame man memo:(

I'm still lazy and when James starts to get crotchety I bf him to sleep:( It still works a charm, but the bedtime shift is hubbys to give me a chance to bath, tidy a bit and get some chill time. He now gets bathed, last milkfeed, then David takes him to his room closes the door and reads a story. After storytime the lights go off and David lets James crawl about on the floor in the dark. He now pretty much just lies his head on Davids chest and with a little singing goes to sleep... Its taken about 2 months to get to this stage (with all the creaming)

I'm trying to teach James that no means no - especially for when we are at other peoples houses, but also limit how often I use it. I've locked away important things and he has free reign to empty tupperware, shoes, socks etc. Also like 1st timer said when he gets really irritable I put him in his pram or his kango pouch and go for a walk outside. He loves trees, nature etc. Even just sitting in the garden helps:)

As for hitting and screaming - As adults we are models for our children, if we hit or shout out of frustration we are just sending a message that its okay for them to do so. Just use distraction techniques and realise that toddlers are MEANT to push boundries, its how they learn. You just need to find a way to guide his learning in a way that suits you best:)

Memo I find that on the days when James is being a sh1t the only thing to do is get out of this house. It takes both of your minds off each other. So we do the aquarium, or bizzybodies or a visit to grandpa or hubbie's office (the secretaries LOVE to see James) or just a coffee at the woolies up the road wirh another mom. James sits in his pram and stares at the other mom's baby. Then screech home just as your partner is returning, smile sweetly, hand the rotter over and open a bottle of red! Works everytime

And yah - James also has free rein of the Tupperware cupboard in the kitchen and the shoe cupboards in our rooms. He loves unpacking them!

Yes I too am the mommy to a very stubborn child. The teachers like him and he is good at school but they have told me that he is very sure of himself and fears nobody!

I also like it, but it means finding a good balance between dicipline and allowing their ego to grow is a positive way.

Tricky to say the least and there are days when I recon Dylan is just going to be a problem child but it is usually when he is really tired or I have been seriously ignoring him.

He isn't big on toys either so from young he was allowed to pay in certain drawers. My night stand is one and the pot drawer is another.

I have no child locks on any cupboards and he leaves them all alone because from young he was told not to.

Sometimes the stricter (not shouting or smacking but sticking to your guns when you say no) you are initially, the easier it is when they really throw tantrums later.

You will also see that 15 months or so is actually a really tough age and once they can communicate with you it gets a bit better.

Trust me though, what you figure out today will mean nothing tomorrow. One day at a time!

Memo you are scaring me about whats to come!!! Please tell me its easier with girls

I think the response from your family is a bit selfish and uncalled for. When I go out with my family, its time for me to get to relax while they run after K and keep her distracted and entertained. If they paid him attention while you were eating maybe he wouldn't be as inclined to explore? But as someone said, exploring at his age is good and healthy and should be encouraged provided its not dangerous. Perhaps your brother should try make a more child friendly area in the lounge that he has some exploring to do. Imagine its a whole new environment and so much exploring to be done how can you expect them not to?
I also agree that they dont know about being naughty at this age, just inquisitive, and not fully understanding of "No" enough to stop doing something. Hitting is for being naughty, and if a child is hit and doesnt understand why I think it would cause some insecurity for them!

Re the sleeping, I honestly dont know how you do it. K isnt fond of falling asleep either, and will not do so in my arms. I have to put her in her swing or lie next to her while she stares out the window or plays and eventually turns onto her side or tummy to fall asleep.

I do find that as it gets colder now the cuddlier / warmer she is the better she goes to sleep / sleeps. This is a learning curve for me as she was still a newborn last winter.

I agree re maybe moving nap times slightly earlier, getting him into a calm setting a little earlier than you are so he has sufficient time to wind down.

He sounds like a very strong willed child. He's at an age where he's learning so much including communication skills and probably very frustrated when he cant voice his feelings / needs.
You're probably at that age where you'll have to re-learn some mommy skills to respond to his new needs, so almost as if being a new mom all over again just with a toddler! Scary times and I'll be coming to you for advice in 5 months time