Need ways to get a toddler boy to CHILL OUT

Seriously girls I need help...

My son is 2 and a half, and an explorer- like every 2y/o.... The problem is--He's too smart.
He learned to climb onto my kitchen cabinets, to unlock four different combinations of baby locks on my fridge, and insists on raiding it every time we are not looking.

He's pretty tall, so we can't even gate him in anywhere, he learned to climb over gates at about a year or so... He is an excellent problem solver... HE'S DRIVING ME CRAZY.. I am completely at my wits end, and EXTREMELY over emotional because I am preggo again...

What makes matters worse is I went to school for early chilhood education, and I feel as if I should know what to do.. I have tried everything I have learned and everything I could think of instinctually... He's definately in his terrible twos... and I feel BAD disiplining him, because I know he only wants to explore.

UGH, sorry so long but I REALLY need advice..

Re: Need ways to get a toddler boy to CHILL OUT

I am sooo sorry no one has had any answers for you. My son is 2 1/2 also, but no where as amous as your son. Ryan is perfectly happy to have us do it for him.

He will grow out of this stage if thats any help.

As for feeling bad because your an early childhood educator, dont!! It is NOT the same when you are in the situation. Just like doctors shouldnt treat themselves.

Hang in there!!!

Re: Need ways to get a toddler boy to CHILL OUT

sorry no one has been able to help you with this I am not in that situation yet my daughter has just turned one but is very independant so I know I will be in the same boat you are in

Don't feel bad that you don't know what to do jsut because you went to school they don't teach you things for every situation. I hope you find a solution

Re: Need ways to get a toddler boy to CHILL OUT

My 2 year old DD is headed towards in that direction - very "spirited" as they say. I can tell you with my 4 year old son we laid down the law - and plan to do the same with her :::crossing fingers on the same result::::

I wouldnt' feel bad about disciplining him. At 2-1/2, he knows what the word "No" means. Don't mistake him not being able to express himself clearly for not being able to understand you. You need to think of this from a safety perspective. He can't climb cabinets or unlock locked things - they're locked for a reason. If he were running in the street - you'd have a different take on it. You need to be firm and tell him "No - we don't climb - it's not safe"

Punishments are a personal choice - we tried the corner - DS smirked & walked out. Then he would hit his sister & say "I go in the corner now". We did the treat thing which worked for awhile. Now we're down to stay in your room. When you want to listen you can come out.

Also - I would be stricter now that you're pregnant. It's difficult to grab him down from a counter and hold a baby. The week I found out I was pregnant, I started the "put your hand on the car until I get my bag out" - just as practice. If it's too hot or too cold - he has to hold my jacket as I got the diaper bag out. It's just a way of prepping him for when I was getting the baby out. Now they both do it. I also took my son off the bottle (he was one year old) and started working on getting rid of the pacifier - so I didn't have to worry about they confusing each other's stuff.

Message edited 9/6/2005 4:39:40 PM.