Normal actions for a 2 year old...?

Question

My son is 29 months old, and he whines all the time, cries, and gets trantums. His father says he is spoiled, but I think he is being a "normal 2 yr old". At what age do children start to listen? I also don't like spanking at this age because I think they do not understand.

Suggestions....

His father thinks he is spoiled because he says he gets everything he wants. I don't think I give him everything he wants, but I do bribe him at times.

Answer 1

Actually this is perfectly normal behavior for a two year-old. He'll begin to grow out of it, but in the meantime it's better to divert his attention or redirect him away from the things he can't have or do. Don't give in to his demands when he has a tantrum but punishing him really won't do much good at this point. He'll begin to understand what's acceptable and what isn't. It can be difficult at times but that's why it's often referred to as the "terrible two's"

Answer 2

if this is your only child give him all the attention he needs at this age there isn't much discipline to do. He is very little and wants Mommy and daddy's attention they don't cry just to cry and the best way to deal with it is to give the baby all the love Mommy and daddy can give. If he is your only child why not spoil him in all the love. You are right spanking shouldn't take place that's a no no he is developing and will grow out of it. He might be going through the terrible two's which is OK it's part of the developing process it goes away after a while just love and have patience and your baby will feel it and by the way help the problem. I have four children and they were all different and when I see them reach at something they had found exploring aiming it to their mouth I would nod my head and say no and when they try doing it again they would look at me and stop what they were doing because they remember. Some had to be told more the ones so their isn't really an age where kids listen. I still work on that today with my 13yr old my 4 yrs old listens more then him and my 9 yr listens more then the 11yr. old so it all depends on their personality. I have fun with my children I learn some thing new every day my husbands gets his kicks off of them. We enjoy every moment of it because some day they will grow up to leave to be on their own and the best thing to give them are good happy memories. So make every moment a memory with your baby .

Answer 3

My son is about the same age and he has lately been whining alot! I did notice that he got another molar in a few days ago but I think its fairly normal at this age to test the limits a bit more and have temper tantrums. At this age he should be able to listen to a certain degree but dont expect a long attention span. Give him time and he will come around- I know my son is slowly but surely. Also make sure he is getting lots of exercise and activity outside, healthy snacks, and adequate sleep- hopefully those things will lessen the frustration for everyone! Good luck!

Answer 4

As everyone else has said, this is so common as to be normal. I agree that spanking is no good, but then I am against that. I work in a Pupil Referral Unit, for children with emotional and behavioural difficulties, and not only 2 year olds act this way. How do you define 'bribing'? Is it just for a quiet life? Or is it that you say if you do this and this (or don't do that or that) then you can have ...... - is this not better described as 'motivation'? As long as you don't let the stakes get too high, and you are in charge, then it's fine. A lot of adults behave (i.e work) better for motivation (bonuses, payrises) But you are the managing director of this family!
Just enjoy him - he sounds great and NORMAL.

Answer 5

You should have started making him listen well before the age he is now. There is no such thing as a normal 2 year old. If you think that they do not understand then try this, ask him if he wants to go to bed or have a bowl of ice cream? I would bet that he will pick the ice cream. Remember spare the rod,
spoil the child!!! There is nothing wrong with correcting your son and there is a major difference between discipline and abuse.

Answer 6

You don't give your child enough credit. He understand plenty! You do not have to spank however. When this behavior happens, say "uh-oh' or 'what a bummer' pick him up, place him in his room and close his door until he stops. When he is finished, go to him, hugs and kisses and get on with your day. Of course you should make sure his room is tantrum proof. In a few days all you will have to say is "what a bummer" and he will stop.

The whines and cries. Let him know that you can't hear that, you can only hear big boy words. When he wants to speak with his big boy words you would be happy to help him.

This is all typical for this age, but that doesn't mean you aren't supposed to correct unwelcome behavior.

Answer 7

I have an 18 month old and she understands "no" and she knows not to pitch a tantrum with me.They only know what you teach them.The earlier you start to teach them the sooner you stop them from being someone evryone your around can't stand.I think your husband has a point,you should repremand him when he disobeys you.If you don't feel you can spank him at this point then put him in time out and explain to him why he is being put there.If you don't get some point of control over him he will eventually become so overbearing you will never have control over him.

Answer 8

One of the hardest things to do is to NOT listen and pay attention to a whining child. I know how they work and what ever works is what they will continue to do...I think that we become immune to the whining. They have us trained and it is highly advisable to ignore whining voices, words or actions or they will constantly do this with you and others. If you catch yourself and stop...tell him to ask you in a normal voice or normal behavior...he understands alot more than given credit for. The hardest and best way to discipline is in a calm, neutral demeanor. Disciplining is teaching and spanking is punitive...We want to teach or children to be respectful and obedient members of society then we have to teach them what it looks like. You can do it and the earlier the better.

There is nothing wrong with recognizing a need in our children...that is different from being spoiled.

God bless.

Answer 9

My two year old can act very spoiled sometimes too. I think that you really need to pay attention to your actions. When you go to the store and your child cries for a toy, do you give it to them? Me and my husband went to Walmarts and stuck my daughter on a little bike. She is two by the way. We were thinking about getting it for her but when we took her off of it she started throwing a fit. My husband stuck it in the cart and said we are getting it for you stop crying. I said No! She does not get it because she is acting bratty and I am not going to reward her for that. In the past we would give her what she wanted without even thinking about it just to get her to be quiet. However I realized I was sending the wrong message and decided that bad behavior does not need to be rewarded. Pay attention to how you react when your child is being bad. A smack on the hand at two is not a bad thing. My two year old does know when she is being bad. She is very smart for her age. She understands that when she is bad she will get put in her room which tells me she understands punishment for bad behavior. This is normal for two years olds but it is still not excusable. You need to start punishing either by putting him in his room to calm down when he throws fits or time out. Never reward or bribe a child when they are being bad. They then learn that being bad can have rewards to it and you don't want that.

Answer 10

Children this age can be disciplined with time out and showing them how you want them to act or do something. Children at this age can be spoiled and you would want to get this behavior under control be he gets to out of control. He's old enough to know that if he screams and yells he will get the attention of everyone in the room and that mommy will cater to him. You have to let him know that tantrums don't move you but good boy behavior does.