Kicking and Hitting and Screaming OH MY!
 

These almost 2 year old fits are stressing me out! One thing goes wrong and they hit the floor, scream, hit and kick. 2 kiddos from 2 different families. And it is driving me bonkers that I can't figure out a way to curb this behavior! I KNOW fits are normal. Especially since they can't talk yet. I know it is part of normal development. But when the fits last for 5 minutes or longer and it starts waking up the infants, I can't even....:confused:

Just a vent from a frustrated daycare provider:rolleyes:

:hug: This, too, shall pass.

Don't feel so bad I have 3 four years olds that tantrum like that for 15+ minutes.

I have had to start saying at the 5min mark, I think you are too tired to listen lets lay down. that usually stops them ead in their tracks.

Ignore. Make sure everyone else ignores too. I have this child who cries if the wind changes direction and ignoring is working so far! If he is in the middle of everyone throwing a fit (for maximum attention) I gently move him out of the way and continue to ignore. It baffles him!!

I have a special place where anyone can cry as long as (s)he wants. So, they have a choice: go there and cry or stop crying and be with other kids.

Originally Posted by ColorfulSunburst:
I have a special place where anyone can cry as long as (s)he wants. So, they have a choice: go there and cry or stop crying and be with other kids.

This helps a lot.

Originally Posted by ColorfulSunburst:
I have a special place where anyone can cry as long as (s)he wants. So, they have a choice: go there and cry or stop crying and be with other kids.

This is what I do for older criers as well!

Originally Posted by ColorfulSunburst:
I have a special place where anyone can cry as long as (s)he wants. So, they have a choice: go there and cry or stop crying and be with other kids.

Same here. I just tell them that crying is for the Crying Corner, and show them where it is. They're not in trouble, it's not time-out, it's just a place to go cry and play toys if they want to. I have older kids who go there by themselves when they just need a break, and had a 2 year old scream cryer who went there often (she is now 3 and past the screaming, but she still will go there now and then for a break to play alone).

I do the same as the others...crying=no attention. I put them in a place where there is no audience, and move on. If they are older I let them know they can come back when they are done with their fit. For the younger ones I just wait until they are done, and then tell them they can rejoin the group. Seems to work well around here!