My 15 mos old son already has a temper...?

Question

I don't know where it comes from. When he doesn't get his way, he screams and smacks and arches his back. I correct him by telling him no and doing what I hate...smacking him back. But, he gets so mad and will smack anybody, even in the face. Isn't he a little young for this?? He isn't even talking yet...

Answer 1

My daughter does the same thing and has been doing it since she was 13 m/o. Her doctor said it is perfectly normal and has a great deal to do with the child not being able to communicate his or her needs to us yet. He called it the "pre-twos". When my daughter has one of her tantrums I tell her no and then if she starts to arch her back I make sure she is on a soft surface and lay her down and walk away. If I give her attention for her tantrum it seems to last longer. If I turn my back and ignore her the best I can it goes away sooner. It is hard though and was worried that something was wrong with her the dr eased my fears. Good Luck and hang in there.

Answer 2

No the age is about right the terrible twos is not a hard and fast rule. If he doesn't respond to corrective calming speech. tell him if he annot control his anger he has o take a time out and then place him in his room on his bed- a corner- or take him out of the store- playarea etc.

Sure he will scream cry hit etc until you get him to the place he is supposed to be but be firm. Remind him why he is to stay put, that this is punishment and stick to it. Eventually even behind a closed door screaming he will figure out you wont budge and slowly he will understand hitting- and temper are not acceptable but you do need to be consistent.

If his behaviour doesn't come around after a few weeks do consult his doctor and maybe get a second opinion if the doctor dismisses it because autism, sensory development and other medical problems could be a cause but I wouldn't panic right away he is probably just testing his limits on what he can and can't do at this age and you need to step up and be firm.

Good luck!

Answer 3

This sounds like typical "terrible 2" tantrums. Some kids start early. My son started at 1 year (not the smacking though). This is what I'd do, if he is just throwing tantrums, just let them cry out, or distract them with something else. They are trying to fight their frustration the only way they now how, very normal. If they are smakcing people, that is a big no-no. You tell him that is bad behavior, and you time him out or some sort of punishment.

Answer 4

I've worked with children over the last 5 or so years now, and spent a couple of years with toddlers and two year olds. I'm no professional by any means, but your son sounds like the typical toddler. All I can say is be firm and stand your ground, you don't necessarily have to spank, but make sure he knows you mean business. He's at that age now, where he is going to test everything and see what he can and can't get away with. And with you being the parent, he especially needs the discipline from you. If he gets that, it will become a lot easier. Be patient and I'm sure it will all turn out great.

Answer 5

Ok first of all, the temper tantrums are normal. Kids that age can't verbally express what they want and they get frustrated. The only way they know how to deal with that frustration is to throw a tantrum. Hitting, screaming, yelling, throwing, etc... It's all normal. If you hit him back, you will confuse him more. Telling him it's wrong to hit, then doing it yourself is sending mixed signals. Don't yell either. That also sends mixed signals. Try ignoring and rewarding. This works great with my 2 & 4 year olds. When they are being bad (tantrums, etc... not anything that will hurt them) I ignore them. When they realize that I won't give them my attention, they stop. As soon as they do I say, "Mommy can talk to you now because you quit throwing your tantrum." And My life has been SO much easier.

Answer 6

The fact that he isn't talking yet is probably contributing to his temper. He can't tell you exactly what he wants or reason with you, so he has a tantrum. He is not too young to start time outs. He'll catch on quickly that you're not going to take his tantrums or hitting anymore. Be consistent and firm with him. Try not to smack him back, it might confuse him (why can you do it and he can't?) Good luck!

Answer 7

Is he getting the attention he is looking for when he behaves this way? Best bet is to put him in a time out area and ignore him for 2 minutes. but make him stay in that area. Hitting when you are angry isn't the best thing to do, though most of us are guilty of it (even those that won't admit it). If you calmly place him over your lap, give him a potch or two, calmly explain to him why he go that punishment and then tell him you love him, you will have a better chance of getting though to him, if you choose to take that approach (no judgment here, and it's NOT illegal to give a potch once in a while). I would try the time out area first though. He is testing you to see how far you will let him go. Don't let him be the boss, you are the boss.

Answer 8

my son is 14 months and when i tell him no he arches his back and yells, i think you shouldnt smack him, if you do smack the hand and say no, explain y and he will grow out of it. stand your ground

Answer 9

You need to make a safe area for him to tantrum
Ignore the bad behaviour and praise him when he does anything good
Try stopping the triggers for the tantrum ( not always possible )
Distraction should still work as well

Answer 10

I want you to go on the computer and type in there the baby center..great info and I have a 16 month old who always talks and has started slapping too.