My two year old twin boys are driving me wild! By the time four o'clock comes around they are bouncing off the walls! I have done all the playing, reading, redirecting, supervising, and whatever else by that time and nothing seems to occupy them for more than thirty seconds! it seems I'm always yelling at one them to stop doing something, and i can feel the anixiety building up inside me. anyone with some advice or words of encouragement. i just want to enjoy my kids again!
2007-03-01 10:49:07 · 11 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Toddler & Preschooler
All the answers are great so far. A few more details is that I'm not a stay at home mom. I'm a full time nursing student, I also have a seven year old. I'm also a single mother who has a house to keep up. The boys do go to day care and we do get out to places for them to play with other, etc. I think they are just wanting my attention because this is the time when I do have to make dinner etc. I should also mention they are developmently delayed, they have been tested to be developmently where a one year old is so I'm sure they are frustrated to, not being able to alk etc. Anyways thanks everyone for the ideas!
2007-03-01 11:15:50 · update #1
Here's what helps me at dinner time. I assign my two year old tasks. Depending on their develpoment stage, they might be able to do something like napkins, or count out three carrots for everyone. Also, I cook a lot of my dinners the night before so I just have to reheat them. It does not work with everything, but it does help a lot.
If you do not expect them to have good speaking skills for a while, maybe you could get some posters from a teaching supply store (like lakeshore learning) and they could point to things they want to say or do.
The things about kids is it is so hard to predict! So even though somethings might occupy them for an hour one day, they might not want to see it again for a week! You ould try to have predinner time be a special time, the only time they get to play with playdough for example.
The best words of encouragement I can think of is that your boys are so lucky to have such a good mom. You are setting the example for them and will show them what type of people they should try to become. Trust me, when they are older (like 30!) they will tell everyone what an awesome mom they have.
2007-03-01 11:58:19 · answer #1 · answered by Katherine 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Some things that have helped my son and the kids in the childcare programs I've worked in:
1. Consistant schedule/ routine. Once the kids got into the "groove," their behavior improved because they knew what to expect. I'm still working on this one, myself.
2. Gross motor play. We had a playground outside and a gym inside, but a stretch of sidewalk and stuffed animals to weave in and out of like traffic cones or a stack of couch cushions in the den make good substitutes. Even a walk around the block every afternoon can help. Also, there are a number of great CD's for active kids- Hap Palmer has some of my favorites (I love the beanbag record!).
3. When you can, swap caregivers! Is there a parks and rec program where you live? Many PNR depts. offer playtimes for toddlers once a week or more. Public libraries offer story and craft times. Groups like the YMCA often have activities for little ones, too. If none of these are available, perhaps you could barter with a friend for childcare in exchange for help with something else. Letting someone else be in charge for an hour or two can do wonders for your sanity.
4. When all else fails, close your eyes, plug your ears, and think of 3 things you're good at, 3 things you appreciate about your kids, and 3 things you like about your life. Sometimes all it takes is a reminder that life really is O.K.
2007-03-01 11:15:16 · answer #2 · answered by craftladyteresa 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I have 3 year old twin girls and they drive me crazy some of the time too. Do you get out of the house during the day?? I try to get them out usually everyday but not always. We go to the mall and play, go to playgroups, run some errands,go to the park, we use to belong to My Gym (it is a gym class and they have all different age groups, my girls loved it). They are also in preschool 2 days a week. Somethings get them tired, which is why I try to do things in the morning, they then take a better nap, do you boys still nap?? Also have them do fun activities at home that will keep them occupied for more than 30 seconds, my girls love to fingerpaint, play with stamps and playdough. Sometimes if I can't think of anything and we are all wound up I put on some music and we dance around! Just think of things that require energy as the kids have TONS of it! Well good luck with your boys and have fun!
2007-03-01 11:16:46 · answer #3 · answered by Michelle 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Are you a stay-at-home Mom? This could be where your stress is. Get out and let those boys run and interact with kids their age. Not only will it do you a world of good to get some fresh air, but it will help, even now at the age of two, some manners, people skills, and sharing. Do you have a family center or YMCA where you live? Get out your phone book and search for play groups, run at the park, or visit your local library for story hour.
2007-03-01 10:54:42 · answer #4 · answered by Mom of One in Wisconsin 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Have you tried a mothers day out. It would give you some time alone to get things done. In the late afternoon have them help you start getting dinner ready. They can help you prep the food, set the tablet, fold napkins. Make chores for them to do make a rewards chart for being a big boy and being mommy's little helper.
It will get better good luck to you.
2007-03-01 10:55:45 · answer #5 · answered by Jessica H 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
i'm going through the same thing with my daughter.she's good at day care and with other people put with me and my husband she is always getting into something and not listening to us.and it is hard to just get away for a few mins when you share a bed with your kids because you live with your in-laws while your husband is at school.that's my situation at the end of the night when the kids go to bed and take a nice hot bath and enjoy the along time you are having. or pay someone to watch the kids while you go out and do something for yourself!!!!!!!that is what i'm doing right now
2007-03-01 11:14:51 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
First of all they should take a nap around noon or one. Put them in seperate rooms for it.That will give u time to regroup. Find them things to watch.Sesame street or go get some great learning video's. Good luck
2007-03-01 10:59:46 · answer #7 · answered by sweet_thing_kay04 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
i know how you feel, my son began acting out at that age, and now he is 5, trying grasping their attention towards different things, or different surroundings. Get out with them more, make them become more social, and most of all.. Stay Very Calm, they sense this, and will only make the situation worse.
2007-03-01 11:00:19 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
First of all stop yelling. It is obviously getting you nowhere. Invest in a child gate and when you feel they are getting out of hand put them in their bedroom with the child gate up and put on a pair of headphones and do some deep breathing.
2007-03-01 10:54:12 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 3⤋
aaaahhh, the "terrible twos", I'd give anything to see my kids that age again.
2007-03-01 10:53:37 · answer #10 · answered by jaypea40 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋