I have a toddler who is pushing me to the brink. I actually have 3 kiddos under 19 months (AND 2 2 year olds and a 4 year old, full time), so my hands are full. But I have one in particular that makes my blood boil. We call him a bull in a china shop. He's very strong and pretty destructive. He is CONSTANTLY going and getting into places he shouldn't. I have baby-proofed to the best of my ability. I have removed/changed several things in an attempt to minimize my headaches. (Because, he's a toddler and I know this stuff is normal and expected.)
I just removed an end table that he was constantly walking (walking!) across between two couches. He bangs objects against my windows. He pries back the baby gate in front of the TV in order to access my book case (books), lamp, trash can, and TV stand (electronics!). I have literally stopped him doing one thing, and he's breaking into something else before I've turned around! When I went to the bathroom, I came back to him standing ON TOP of my changing table (also now moved), playing with blinds. He occasionally hits and takes toys, crawls on top or walks on other children. I once turned around doing dishes to find him standing on top of my then 10 month old daughter, who was folded in half, shrieking. He stands at the baby gate, popping it open ALL day long or crying any time he is not being paid attention to. On top of that, he's the only child who can't make it past lunch to nap time (and he takes the shortest naps) so by the time everyone else is ready for nap, he's awake! Leaving this provider with no break and lots more stress.
I KNOW he is a toddler and this is all normal and I KNOW he is napping at a schedule appropriate for his age and I KNOW I should not compare him to the child who is only 2 months older (and is very stubborn but at least follows SOME directions) but really. When he is gone, it's like the sun has come out. He used to not come on Fridays because dad was off but they asked for full weeks and I agreed.
So, what can I do? His parents are wonderful, they pay on time, they are first time parents and listen to suggestions. They are consistent with pick up. They love bringing him here. But I'm losing my cool. (I am also burnt out, which I posted about earlier but am taking a vacation in 3 weeks and cut my hours back slightly). I am not being a good provider for him or the others, when he is here. Is this something I can work on with behaviors or is he going to always be difficult???
I just removed an end table that he was constantly walking (walking!) across between two couches. He bangs objects against my windows. He pries back the baby gate in front of the TV in order to access my book case (books), lamp, trash can, and TV stand (electronics!). I have literally stopped him doing one thing, and he's breaking into something else before I've turned around! When I went to the bathroom, I came back to him standing ON TOP of my changing table (also now moved), playing with blinds. He occasionally hits and takes toys, crawls on top or walks on other children. I once turned around doing dishes to find him standing on top of my then 10 month old daughter, who was folded in half, shrieking. He stands at the baby gate, popping it open ALL day long or crying any time he is not being paid attention to. On top of that, he's the only child who can't make it past lunch to nap time (and he takes the shortest naps) so by the time everyone else is ready for nap, he's awake! Leaving this provider with no break and lots more stress.
I KNOW he is a toddler and this is all normal and I KNOW he is napping at a schedule appropriate for his age and I KNOW I should not compare him to the child who is only 2 months older (and is very stubborn but at least follows SOME directions) but really. When he is gone, it's like the sun has come out. He used to not come on Fridays because dad was off but they asked for full weeks and I agreed.
So, what can I do? His parents are wonderful, they pay on time, they are first time parents and listen to suggestions. They are consistent with pick up. They love bringing him here. But I'm losing my cool. (I am also burnt out, which I posted about earlier but am taking a vacation in 3 weeks and cut my hours back slightly). I am not being a good provider for him or the others, when he is here. Is this something I can work on with behaviors or is he going to always be difficult???
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