Mar 24 2006
Dr. J & Mr. H
Last Friday Fuller must have found our secret lab of mind altering potions because ever since he woke up with that fever he has not stopped whining since. Well, at least not when I am at home.
Yesterday, I came home from work, walked in the back door and there was Fuller, standing by the gate to the kitchen, eating nilla wafers. I stopped, said, “Hi Fuller!” and he looked up, smiled and then in 1.3 seconds his smile disappeared and he started to “UNNNHHHNNNN” and contorted his body into tantrum mode (complete with full body fling to the floor). His actions made it seem like I had just denied him something he really, really, really wanted when in fact I had just walked in the back door.
He acts like he is hungry by going to his chair and trying to get in it. We put him in the chair, bestow him with gifts of food and drink, and he immediately wants to get out or not eat anything put in front of him.
It’s maddening really.
And these are just instances where the word “No” wasn’t even uttered.
If the word “No” is spoken toward Fuller he takes great offense. A few nights ago at dinner he was denied the option to fling his food to the floor and that turned into a hysterical sobfest complete with hiccups. He tried to play with a stack of CDs and when he was discovered, told no and the CDs removed from his hands, again the full body fling commenced, the wailing and gnashing of teeth occurred, and I just stood there wondering, “Boy, when are you going to get over it?”
This alteration of attitude, assertion of independance, the almost-terrible twos, whatever phase you want to name it, is getting old. There is no end in sight yet. Which is why I am sending him (and his father) to his grandparents for a week. Maybe a week of lake air will fix him.
so when I tell him no I should make sure he is on the carpet not the tile.
Have you tried signing with him? He’s probably at a really receptive age for that right now. As in, he gets what you’re doing and will do it back (as opposed to E who is still trying to get what we’re doing and when it doesn’t have any meaning when he does it back). A little extra communication skills might help him express more constructively than throwing himself to the floor. The library may have fun kid’s signing DVD (like the “Signing Times” we use) for painless education. *shrug*
He may also be going through some delayed separation anxiety, like it just occurred to him that this isn’t going to change, since you started back at work. I dunno. Is he like that with D all day?
Like I know what I’m talking about. Could just be spring fever, and darn it, I feel like have a tantrum sometimes myself.
Hahahahahaha!! I hate it for you… I can totally relate though! And I wish I could say he’s almost over it….. He’s got no other way to express irritation– but man it stinks to be at the other end of that. Jade still has them every once in while and at least now I can tolerate them without screaming myself! Yes- carpet- or a safe area- is good. If there is not one- pick him up and put him in his crib or play yard– somewhere that flailing will not result in injury. And wait. Signing is a fabulous idea!!! I did that with Jade when he was a baby– I stopped when I moved to Florida– much to my dismay– but it helps– because these little guys cannnot always find words or use them!
Well….. good luck Mommy!
And buy some ear muffs!
I was a nanny for a year before our first child was born. The couple’s 2 yo daughter would be perfectly happy during the day, but as soon as the mother walked in the door it was temper time. It’s the child’s way of getting attention, I guess. I don’t think signing will help much; it’s an emotional release. I sure wouldn’t feel like signing if I was feeling very aggravated about something my family did that I didn’t like!!!! The baby probably feels the same way, just isn’t mature enough to control his emotions!
Really, it too will pass, although you feel like the end will never come. One of my friends told me about taking her daughter to a restroom stall because she was having a temper tantrum about something. The girl is a wonderful, mature sweet 16 yo now! 
Keep hanging in there. It’s worth it!