Help with Toddler Behavior

[Anonymous]

We've got a 2.5 year old toddler that throws terrible temper tantrums, frequently cries for no discernable reason, and displays antisocial behavior around other kids and adults. I realize these are all relatively common traits at that age, but this is far worse than our other kids. Even our daycare has brought it up.

Who can we turn to for help dealing with this?

[Anonymous]

This website has wonderful resources for how to approach toddler meltdowns:

https://ourmamavillage.com

I haven't taken any of the courses, but follow the therapist who runs it on Instagram and have gotten tons of tips and resources. You can download a PDF specifically about toddler meltdowns at the link above. I've shared it with every toddler parent I know, it's so good.

This is also good, and has some resources available for free in addition to the courses they offer. The child development expert who runs it hosts weekly live chats on Instagram that I have found very helpful as well:

https://seed-sew-llc.mykajabi.com

I also liked the books Happiest Toddler on the Block and The Danish Way of Parenting.

Good luck!

[Anonymous]

Honestly, we had more of an in-person, or at least personalized, specialist in mind. We’re really nearing our last straw. We don’t know what to do.

[Anonymous]

How long has this been going on OP? I ask because I just went through this with my DD right when she turned 2.5. It was absolutely miserable for about two months - she was miserable, I was miserable. I would often end the day in tears and was about to start searching for a specialist as well. Then it just started getting better and now at almost 3 she is back to her mostly happy, sociable self.

Sorry, no real advice here. But hopefully take solace that it is not just your kid, and it really is so hard! Hang in there.

[Anonymous]

Ask your pediatrician and have her screened at early childhood center for your school system.

[Anonymous]

I recommend Janet Lansbury to everyone with toddler woes. But if you think some kind of intervention is required, ask your pediatrician.

[Anonymous]

The developmental ped Dr. Dan Shapiro has a workshop for parents of difficult children. He has a zoom one scheduled for October.
https://guidingexceptionalparents.com/in-person-workshops-classes/

Good for you for reaching out and looking for help, op. I know it’s not easy. I wish you the best.

[Anonymous]

Try Parent-Child-Interaction Therapy. It's a specialty and should come up on a search on psychology today website where you can find a therapist.

[Anonymous]

My almost 2 year old is going through this and it has gotten worse since being home with us for 6 months. Even though her daycare reopened today, other than COVID, this is another concern of mine with sending her back to school. I have 2 other kids, a 6 year old and an almost 3 year old. I didn't have to deal with this and have no idea what to do.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I recommend Janet Lansbury to everyone with toddler woes. But if you think some kind of intervention is required, ask your pediatrician.

Yes.

But the daycare bringing it up means it's out of the realm of normal. They see a LOT of 2 year olds, and now what's pretty typical. This is clearly not.

[Anonymous]

Get him evaluated by OT

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:We've got a 2.5 year old toddler that throws terrible temper tantrums, frequently cries for no discernable reason, and displays antisocial behavior around other kids and adults. I realize these are all relatively common traits at that age, but this is far worse than our other kids. Even our daycare has brought it up.

Who can we turn to for help dealing with this?

Have you considered taking a parenting class? You will get a lot of tools help you navigate and understand this type of behavior. Where are you located? Some counties offer free classes. I agree talking with pediatrician could also help a lot. I feel for you because my daughter was diagnosed with sensory processing disorder at a young age. Early intervention and education are your best tools to help children become healthy prosocial beings.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:We've got a 2.5 year old toddler that throws terrible temper tantrums, frequently cries for no discernable reason, and displays antisocial behavior around other kids and adults. I realize these are all relatively common traits at that age, but this is far worse than our other kids. Even our daycare has brought it up.

Who can we turn to for help dealing with this?

Have you considered taking a parenting class? You will get a lot of tools help you navigate and understand this type of behavior. Where are you located? Some counties offer free classes. I agree talking with pediatrician could also help a lot. I feel for you because my daughter was diagnosed with sensory processing disorder at a young age. Early intervention and education are your best tools to help children become healthy prosocial beings.

We're actually doing early intervention through MCPS for our other child due to sensory issues and developmental delays. I'll be honest- it is rather underwhelming. Even before the pandemic, it didn't seem like we were getting much out of it. And now that it's remote, it's nearly worthless. I have a sister in Massachusetts with an autistic 2yo who has been getting in-person sessions 4 days a week even through the pandemic.

We've gone a couple classes through MCPS's infants and toddlers program. Again, they weren't particularly helpful.