I need some help...

[Warrior Mom]

My son is 22 months old and things have gone from good to an unbelieveable nightmare. He is screaming in public, thowing fits for no reason, and won't listen to a word I say. I have tried everything I can think of to stop this behavior: giving hugs, yelling, bribes, spanking, nothing works.

I'll give you a little background. I'm 24 and he is my only child and due to circumstances beyond my control we have been living in homeless shelters for the last 6 months. My son has always adapted quickly and is very easy-going and has never shown this behavior before.

I am at the end of my rope and am ready to try anything. I love my son too much to be mad at him all the time but I can't seem to help it. Please, any advice would help!!

[LSUMurse]

I believe, from what I have read in the past, that he is reaching the age where he is becoming more aware of his surroundings. Children his age crave structure and uniformity. My guess is living in different shelters and changing his surroundings is the root of his acting out. We rearranged my daughter's room and went thru weeks of her not sleeping well until she became accustomed to the "new room". While you may not be able to control your surroundings, at least try to make it as structured for him as possible. I don't know if it's going to help, but it's worth a shot.

[Warrior Mom]

We go to the same places almost every day, his nap is at the same time, and he has a set bedtime every night.

[Warrior Mom]

Wow, of all the 300 people who have viewed this message only one replied. I asked for help and all you did was ignore me. Just like you ignore all the others like me. Maybe, instead of ignoring us, you should take the time to help. You never know someone's story until you stop and ask them. I hope that every homeless family and every homeless person has a warm, safe place to go to this winter. During the day and the night. And know this, that person you see walking down the street, homeless, could be you.

[ra11en]

Hi Warrior Mom -
I don't come on this site very often anymore, and this post is rather old. But, I'll reply anyway. :)

Have things improved over the past few months?

Sounds like the terrible 2's have kicked in. It happens to all toddlers, so you are in good company. HA!

A good schedule, like you said you already have, and consistency. Time outs were my preferred method of discipline (and still are), for my DD when she went through that stage. I always stuck to my guns, even though it felt like I was just having to discipline her all day every day for weeks at a time. It wasn't fun!! But, we hung in there.

Ignore tantrums. Let him throw his tantrum, but ignore it. Go to another room if you have to. I would tell my daughter "Let me know when you're done and want to talk like a big girl." And then I would go about my business.

Giving bribes and hugging him during this stage will NOT make it better, it will prolong it. Don't reward him for bad behavior. Believe it or not, this too shall pass. He is learning how to communicate frustration, anger, overwhelment (is that a word?), etc.

Stick to your guns!!! Hope to hear things have improved! My DD's terrible 2's lasted for about 6 weeks. And it was a breeze compared to the horrible 3's stage which lasted about 3 long, want to kill myself, drive me insane, months.

:D