Comments on: Terrible Twos, Tantrum Threes and Fiendish Fours

By: Liz

Liz — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 04:41:29 +0000

All the articles and blog posts I have seen talk about 4 year olds. Any advice for my 2 year old? Hes not even 2, not until the end of the month! Hes aweful, horrifying even, but hes barely 2 so talking to him does no good. Help!

By: Karin

Karin — Tue, 25 Aug 2009 14:52:00 +0000

I firmly believe in bribes – not all the time but for certain things like good behavior while we’re out. I start out with 5 m&m’s payable after church and they can loose them (I also add extra rewards for particularly good behavior too). I also bring something entertaining for the kids to do in church – religious themed coloring books, a children’s bible that I have marked the readings with tab post-its, saint books, a children’s mass book w/ bookmark and for my 2 year old, I bring a truck coloring book b/c he doesn’t care about pictures of people (saints, Jesus) but he’ll be quiet for a truck. Furthermore, I sit in the cry room where there’s a bit more space for the kids to color. Finally, I found a church that I like (singable songs, uplifting homily, friendly parishioners) and is family friendly.
As for stores, I ask the kids for help with grocery shopping and if they misbehave, I cut my trip short and have my husband pick up the basket from the cold storage (yes, some grocery stores will do this, make friends with the manager and make sure you have a note prepared in your handbag with your name and a time that your husband or yourself later that day can come get it) and finish the list on his way home. I do not take my kids shopping elsewhere unless absolutely necessary.

By: Ashlie- Mommycosm

Ashlie- Mommycosm — Wed, 19 Aug 2009 21:06:05 +0000

I totally agree with Heather. Consistency is the KEY…and is not easy.

I got to review The Total Transformation Program last year and it helped tremendously. It’s pricey though – check out my posts for some free tips.

By: The Shake Shake State of the Union Address | Queen of Shake Shake

The Shake Shake State of the Union Address | Queen of Shake Shake — Wed, 19 Aug 2009 15:01:00 +0000

[...] yeah, I up over at The Mouthy Housewives today, answering a question about how to control an unruly 4-year-old. I tell you this because [...]

By: K-Line

K-Line — Wed, 19 Aug 2009 14:50:09 +0000

My kid was a nightmare tantrumer from 1 – 5 (really) and she’s still volatile at age 9.5. It’s her nature. I do what I can to adapt to an extremely willful personality that seems to moderate only under the influence of fear. Not that she’s the remotest bit fearful. I think the development of rational faculties really helps. But it’s a very long road in some cases. I wish I could be more upbeat.

By: The Laughing Idiot

The Laughing Idiot — Wed, 19 Aug 2009 04:35:52 +0000

My youngest is almost four. Her tantrums drive me nuts, but not giving in (which is soooooo hard) is important.

I can’t tell you how many times I have walked out of a store because of her tantrum. To the chagrin of shoppers, I have also ignored her tantrum, strapped her into the “baby” seat, and continued shopping.

I’ve taken things away, sent her to her room, and yes, I’ve given her a spanking (in the privacy of our home, not in public).

It bites, but it eventually pays off – my almost six year old went through that phase and now all I have to do is give her “the look”.

You gotta hang in there. All parents have been there. So when it feels super embarassing at the moment, just remember we’ve all gone through it. NO ONE is immune.