I'm really struggling with my 2.5 year old son. Every day I'm so tense and by the end of the day I've had enough, I'm literally at a point where I think I could just snap - get in the car and just drive away.
I really don't know if I'm doing something wrong or if he is a changelling child.
I'm constantly telling him off for the same things, hitting the dogs, throwing sand, spitting and so on. He never really switches off and relaxes, he's go go go and my patience is so small..
Sometimes I smack, sometimes he gets punished, I always stick to my word, I tell him if he continues we won't play with the toy anymore etc.
I'm so frustrated, I love him dearly but both me and hubby are at a stage where we can't see anymore kids in the future because of this and that breaks my heart.
I'm seeing a therapist at the moment, she doesn't think I'm depressed, just depleted, a lot of the talk is about hubby I guess and just steams from him working long hours (can't be helped ATM) im a stay at home mum so I'm alone a lot to deal with our son and it's starting to put pressure on our marriage and causing issues..
I have my Hobbies that I crack on with and its nice to have that time and I'm hoping to start going to the gym too soon.
But I really need help with our son, I don't know what to do anymore. I've tried punishment, smacking (not hard, more of a shock and I don't like the idea of smacking him either) talking about feelings, no yelling technique.
A trip anywhere is so stressful and embarrassing, am I expecting to much from such a little boy.
He's so happy and is such a chatty little fella, he really is beautiful but he just wants to do what he feels like.
I can pick him up after his bath and he screams, kicks and throws himself around, on the outside I'm so content but on the inside I'm jumping up and down screaming myself!!
Some days I just yell and fell so horrible afterwards, so I know it's no good for either of us.
I'm just so at a loss, I love him so much but can feel I'm starting to resent him, I don't know what we need..
3 Replies
He sounds like a normal two year old and you do sound depleted. It's hard work but he will grow out of it,at 3 he can go to preschool and probably potty train and sleep better and will start to be much more independent.
For now, Hubby needs to make it a priority to be home more and step up on his days off. You should join the gym ASAP - when youre starting to lose your mind go there and put him in crèche. Do a yoga class or just lie on the floor in the dark for an hour ;)
Also those play centres are good he can go nuts safely and you can have a rest and a coffee.
Soccer?swimming? Something where somebody else watches him and he burns lots of energy. I started my girl in a classes at 2 for the same reason and she loved it and it really helped me get through a Saturday, by time we got home it was lunchtime and then she was exhausted and ready to nap.
Get that little boy into daycare a few days a week. You both need a break from each other and yeah some two year olds are bloody difficult I'm afraid it comes with the territory.
My little boy was almost the exact same, I couldn't take him anywhere - wouldn't behave out or at home also was a terrible sleeper so would go all day/night. I too felt frustrated all the time it was difficult especially when I would be out with friends & he was always playing up while their kids of similar ages all seemed to be behaving. We went onto have another baby when he was 2.5 which didn't seem to cause any extra stress & gave him something to focus on. My little guy is almost 4 now & he is everything I could've asked for and more, all those tough days were well & truly worth it to get him to the exceptional individual he is now. Hang in there mumma it gets better!