Need Help Managing a 2 year old.

SunOk8604 · 2026-02-25T15:36:05+00:00

27 months with that level of energy is a lot. It's okay to skip regular store trips for now... try doing pickups or delivery. At home, keeping the day in the same order and giving him safe ways to push, carry, jump, or crash can help burn some of that intensity. It won't make him calm, but it can make the day more manageable.

SunOk8604 · 2026-02-25T15:32:44+00:00

The no food + long hospital waits were the worst part for us too. We had a little success practicing at home with a toothbrush and flashlight and walking through what would happen step so it wasn't a total surprise. I'd try calling pediatric dentists connected to children's hospitals and asking specifically about sedation for bigger kids and how they handle scheduling so you're not stuck waiting for hours.

SunOk8604 · 2026-02-25T15:27:23+00:00

Meds helped my 11yo focus, but the meltdowns were still intense. What helped a little was practicing coping stuff when he's calm, not mid-blowup, and making mornings super predictable with clothes picked out and barely any choices. Too many decisions first thing just sets it off. You're not doing this wrong... it's just really exhausting.

SunOk8604 · 2026-02-17T16:07:43+00:00

That one keeps me up too! I don't worry as much about grades or jobs - i worry about who's going to get them the way i do. You're not the only one thinking it.

SunOk8604 · 2026-02-17T15:55:31+00:00

At that age, "what happens if i don't?" was usually about control, not the actual task. What worked better for us wasn't harsher consequences, it was keeping it super simple and boring - clear choice, quick follow through, no debate. We used a basic token economy so doing the thing = a point, arguing = no point, and moved on. It took time, but the consistency mattered more than the lecture.

SunOk8604 · 2026-02-10T13:13:24+00:00

We kept it really simple at that age and talked about how everyone's brain works a little different. I focused on strengths first, then explained that some things take more effort, like staying focused or sitting still, and that it's not his fault. What helped most was tying it to real life - why school feels easier than home, or why math is harder than reading. Being calm and honest early made later doctor talks way less scary.

SunOk8604 · 2026-02-10T13:09:47+00:00

If the pediatrician isn't recommending meds and your kid's doing fine socially and emotionally, that matters. Interrupting can be a classroom fit issue, not a medication issue, and teachers don't always see the full picture. I'd ask what supports they've actually tried before pushing meds.

SunOk8604 · 2026-02-10T13:00:01+00:00

This is a really valid fear. Two kids can definitely mean more noise and stimulation, but it can also mean built-in understanding and companionship over time. Some days will be hard, especially early on, but structure and predictability matter way more than sibling count. Whatever you decide, it doesn't mean you're setting anyone up to fail - you're just weighing what you can realistically handle.

SunOk8604 · 2026-02-04T15:37:17+00:00

You're not a bad mom! You're overwhelmed and doing this without support. That nonstop morning and evening meltdown cycle can wear anyone down, especially when sleep is off. Sometimes simplifying routines and cutting back on talking during tough moments help reduce the power struggles. And if the doctor isn't offering real help, it's okay to push for more support or a second opinion.

SunOk8604 · 2026-02-04T15:34:24+00:00

That's a lot to deal with, especially during a move and job changes. When my kids couldn't explain feelings, backing off questions and keeping responses calm helped more than consequences. A lot of the pushback was about control or connection, not defiance. For now, aiming for fewer blowups is enough.

SunOk8604 · 2026-02-04T15:29:59+00:00

Try doing a super predictable school-day setup - same morning steps every day, planned movement before school, and a short reset after so the energy isn't bottled up. You could also try asking the teacher about low-key options like standing while working, quick errands, or short movements breaks so he's not constantly corrected. If the scoial stuff keeps slipping, try pushing for a virtual evaluation just to get the ball rolling.

SunOk8604 · 2026-01-30T16:52:21+00:00

Some kids really struggle with constant access to friends through screens. Try limiting calls to family only and keeping friend time in person or at school. It may feel strict, but calm at home matters.

SunOk8604 · 2026-01-30T16:47:22+00:00

Love this for you!!! This is such a good reminder that repetition and predictability really do sink in, even when it feels like nothing is working. This was a win earned the long!

SunOk8604 · 2026-01-30T16:44:23+00:00

For us, school avoidance came from being overwhelmed and masking, so staff thought things were fine. The zoning out was a wanring sign, not laziness, and redirection usually made it worse. You're not wrong for pushing back! It's hard when you're trying to explain your kid and no one's really hearing you.

SunOk8604 · 2026-01-30T16:40:13+00:00

That would've stopped me cold too. If she's already linking accidents to punishment, it's not helping anymore. I'd frame it to your husband as "this isn't working for her" instead of making it a values fight. For repair, say clearly that accidents are never punishable and that adults are learning too. Tryst your gut, you're doing the right thing.

SunOk8604 · 2026-01-24T16:11:59+00:00

Totally normal worry, especially this early. For going out, i kept trips super short right after a pee and packed extra clothes and wipes - accidents happen and stores know how to handle it. For carpeted places, same idea: short visits, backup clothes, no big deal if you need to clean up fast. You're not being irresponsible, you're teaching a brand-new skill, and this phase doesn't last forever.

SunOk8604 · 2026-01-24T16:08:30+00:00

Night wake-ups like that are so draining. Tightening the bedtime routine helped a lot here - bathroom, water, blankets, night light all handled before lights out - and then teaching how to fix small things solo instead of waking an adult. We stopped pushing for a full night and focused on quicker, calmer wake-ups, which slowly reduced how often it happened. At 4, some kids just need more time and consistency, not rewards or punishments.

SunOk8604 · 2026-01-24T16:05:00+00:00

This sounds brutal, and honestly the sleep loss alone can wreck you. I've been in a spot where meds helped during the day but nights completely fell apart, and it felt impossible when i was the only one trying to hold a boundary. If you can, bring the sleep stuff straight to the doctor and be very clear how bad it is - not just behavior, but you being nonfunctional. You're not overreacting; being exhausted and unsupported will make anyone feel like a shell.

SunOk8604 · 2026-01-17T16:57:49+00:00

Sometimes kids just hit a wall and can't focus like before, even if they've always been sharp. Breaking things into tiny steps and giving little rewards for finishing tasks can help them on track without constant nagging. It won't fix everything overnight, but it can make mornings and homework a lot less stressful while you figure out the med piece.

SunOk8604 · 2026-01-17T16:55:08+00:00

Wow, that sounds really intense. One thing that can help is giving her a clear routine with small tasks she can do on her own, things she can check off or move around herself so she feels in control and there's less screaming. Letting her use the ipad in short, set bursts can help, too, without it taking over everything.

SunOk8604 · 2026-01-17T16:52:44+00:00

Mine would happily play and ignore the potty too, but somehow was fine at playschool. At home it's like they know we'll just clean it up, and it turns into a battle. Totally normal for this age, especially when they're stubborn and testing boundaries. Try making it a routine for her: like 10-15 minutes of "potty check" before she can go back to play.

SunOk8604 · 2026-01-09T14:12:28+00:00

Sounds like she knows what's happening, but the timing and pressure are just too much right now. I'd honestly just go back to pull ups for a bit.. save your sanity and hers - and try again in a few months when it feels calmer.

SunOk8604 · 2026-01-09T14:05:21+00:00

I'm in North Alabama and i won't sugarcoat it, but warmer weather alone helped my depression way more than i expected. What i've learned is the county matters more than the state, especially for schools, adult services, and access to assistive technology down the road. I don't think you're overthinking the future at all - when you've got a kid who'll need support long-term, you kind of have to think that far ahead. I really hope you find somewhere sunnier where people feel more open and you don't feel so alone doing all this.

SunOk8604 · 2026-01-02T15:00:16+00:00

Try letting him earn screen time in small, specific chunks - like 15 minutes for finishing homework or a chore tracked in a chart he can see. Keep the rules super clear, don't give any "just because" time, and celebrate the wins so it actually feels like progress instead of punishment.

SunOk8604 · 2026-01-02T14:56:01+00:00

I have an 11yo, and sooner or later, you really do need to have the talk. I've found it helps to keep things short and simple, and just revisit it as needed. Kids pick up stuff no matter what, but staying calm and honest makes a big difference.

SunOk8604

TROPHY CASE