Terrible Toddler -

Terrible Toddler

My son is 2. He will be 3 in Sept. and he is so defiant. I was wondering if this was normal or out of controll behavior. He colors on walls, hits and taunts animals, bites his sister until he draws blood, has a horrible time sleeping, shows no remorse, does not acknowledge when i tell him no repeatedly, spankings only phase him for a few minutes. None of these traits were ones that my daughter showed, the doctor says extreme terrible twos but i dont know how much more i can take. I feel like i am always yelling and than trying to fix whatever he broke. I am desperate and not sure where to turn.

Written by Erica

Posted on 06/13/2010

See all posts by Erica

Answers:

hey!
I just randomly came across this- I think maybe you are in the working mothers group also? anyway- it just may be some intense terrible two's- however; as a person who works in early intervention (I'm a speech pathologist- I work for our local infant toddler program that serves 0-3 year olds)- there just may be something more going on. Obviously I am not able to say that with any certainty- but here is the thing: you can call your local infant toddler/ early intervention program- and they will come and talk with you and see your son and help you figure out if more is going on!! And all for free!! Possibly there is some sensory needs? (NO! that does NOT mean we are talking Autism!!!!) or maybe just some behavior things they can help with! And even if he doesn't qualify for any type of services- at the very least they can give you some suggestions and a little peace of mind? If you are not sure who to contact- start with the school district and ask them for some contact information- or maybe your pediatrician. Speaking of which- pediatricians are GREAT- but I have seen that when it comes to early intervention- some do take a "wait and see" approach- which can really just make things worse at times. Again, I would do it asap- and even though it's summer time and school is out- the infant toddler programs run all year long- so no need to wait til end of summer! And after 3 years old services are taken over by the school district- so call now so you can get some great suggestions before he turns 3 ;-) Hope this helps! I have a few kiddo's I see for some mild language delays- and will probably dismiss them before they even turn 3- but a few of them exhibit these behaviors and we are also working on some sensory and behavior strategies that are really helping! there is hope lol!

posted by nadine on 06/14/2010

Thank you sooo much, I am also in the working mothers group. I do feel that whatever it is going on is more than terrible twos because he is soo defiant regardless to any approach of discipline i take. I am to the point where i will try anything that might work. His doctor is a family doctor and she has a very laid back approach on almost everything i am thinking also about looking for a good pediatrician, since really they know more on just kids and seem to spend a little more time when parents are concerned. I will let you know how the outcome is... Thank you again

posted by Erica on 06/14/2010

Your answer: