Please help, 2 and 4

[StacyRose]

I don't know where to start. My son just turned two and I have a 4 year old daughter as well. My son has hit that stage where everything causes a temper tantrum. My daughter does not listen to me at all. She will do the same thing over and over again, no matter what form of punishment I use. I am having a hard time dealing with the two of them at once. I feel like a horrible parent but I can't help from becoming over whelmed and yelling. I don't know what to do make myself less on edge. Does anyone have any suggestions?

[cay8099]

The best way to deal with tantrums, and eventually stop them is to ignore them. Simply walk away. The tantrum is a tool specifically designed to get the fit thrower what he wants. If you stand your ground and ignore the fit he will stop.

To get a 4 y/o to listen you must threaten and follow through. For example: If you tell her to stop jumping on the couch or you'll take away all her barbies for a week. She continues jumping on the couch, take away her barbies. If she learns you mean business; she will respect you more and listen better. daddy must back you up, and ignore the fits as well. Good luck.

[StacyRose]

thank you for your help :)

[cay8099]

Another one I use is the countdown. If I ask my son to do something and he doesn't do it, I tell him I'm gonna count to 3 and if you aren't picking up these toys by the time I get to 3 I'm gonna..................

[lindseyh911]

I agree with Cay, ignore the tantrums and be consistent about everything. My kids (ages 2 & 3 1/2) listen to me much better than their dad, because I'm consistent. They've learned that threaten a punishment, I'll follow through on it. They're learned that their dad doesn't always follow through so they'll keep disobeying as long as they can get away with it.