Don't know what to do, at my wit's end

Matteo has been crying so much lately and so difficult. He's been having some stranger anxiety and cries hysterically when certain people are near him (like 2 of my DH's uncles who have mustaches). And hates the doctors office, screams bloody murder there the ENTIRE time until we leave. That I can handle, hey, it's the doctor, no one likes going there! But his other new thing was when we went to get him new shoes yesterday. He cried and cried and wouldn't let the man size him or put his shoes on. I had to like hold his arms down. Now he cries when I put the shoes on him. It's impossible to go anywhere or do anything I feel lately.

Any ideas on how to handle this? I want to stay calm all the time but I am losing patience and I need your help!
Does this sound normal?

Re: Don't know what to do, at my wit's end

noce advice sorry just some hugs

Re: Don't know what to do, at my wit's end

Thanks so much, I need them. It's just been such long days lately.

Re: Don't know what to do, at my wit's end

Oh wow, sounds like you could use some

I have to admit, I was afraid of ANY man who had a mustache as a child. I would cry and squirm away - I have no idea at what age it started, I would have to check with my Mother and let you know.

And my parents did nothing - except continue to expose me to all family members with facial hair at family gatherings.

Wish I was more of a help for you

Re: Don't know what to do, at my wit's end

Posted by dooodles

Oh wow, sounds like you could use some

I have to admit, I was afraid of ANY man who had a mustache as a child. I would cry and squirm away - I have no idea at what age it started, I would have to check with my Mother and let you know.

And my parents did nothing - except continue to expose me to all family members with facial hair at family gatherings.

Wish I was more of a help for you

Re: Don't know what to do, at my wit's end

I know it's hard. I wish I had advice, but I'm going through some rough times with the start of tantrums at 13 months with DS. You are not alone!!!

Re: Don't know what to do, at my wit's end

Hi Carolyn - I am so sorry to hear you are having a hard time with Matteo - it must be a stage he is going through. Try to hang in there - I know its hard

Re: Don't know what to do, at my wit's end

My DD who is almost 11 months starts to cling to me when she see's a man that isn't shaven or has mustasche which is odd since DH has a light go-tee. I think that is just phase and he will pass that.

DS hates the dr. too. He is fine in the waiting room but the minute we get into the hall forget it. He doesn't stop screaming until we back into the waiting room. It's a miracle that the doctor is even able to exam him.

The shoe thing is probably just a phase too. Last week DS insisted on wearing his socks to take a bath. He wouldn't put his foot down at all an was screaming. So we put them on and he was fine. It only happened twice.

All these phases are frustrating especially since one minute they are fine and the next you and wonder what you missed.

Re: Don't know what to do, at my wit's end

Hi-
That was me who was chatting with your today at the play area!! I mentioned my DS who is also 2. I was with my DD (DS was home napping with my DH ). I just happened so see your DS's name on your screen name and his pic just now and I recognized him from today. Small world It was nice chatting with you and Matteo is SO CUTE!!

I know some kids have more stranger anxiety than others or are more sensitive in general. I have a friend whose son always had her upset or worried bc she felt like she was the one with the kid who was crying at his own party, he was so sensitive and was easily overwhelmed by new people or situations. He's older now and has adjusted quite well. My own DS (my older one) has often given me a run for my money in so many ways in his 5 1/2 short years and so many things have come to pass. I find 2 years old to be a funny age - they are still so small but trying to be big, just learning about their emotions... I think all kids have their "quirks", KWIM? Maybe talk to your pediatrician about it...my 5 1/2 year old has sensory issues that explained some of his behaviors. Not saying your DS has sensory issues (or anything!) but I think it's worth mentioning to your pediatrician for advice if nothing else.

He was seriously such a doll! He looks just like you.

Re: Don't know what to do, at my wit's end

I just wanted to let you know that you are not alone.

My DD is 16 months and a nightmare in a lot of situations. She is the clingiest thing you could imagine. Doesnt want anything to do with anyone else but the people that know and care for her.

She hate the ped. but some other doctors she is okay with, but once she sees the nurse and the dr. she screams bloody murder and its understandable, even though a lot of times they dont even hurt her. She is just so accustomed to being pricked with needles.

Last night we went to the Chinese Buffet for dinner and the waitress was helping us put her in the high chair and she was crying - why, you ask, because a stranger was touching her. My DD has always been like that since she started to realize what was going on and started recognized who was who.

It has gotten bad with regard to be clingy though. I think your DS might be going through a stage or maybe like the PP said that he could be getting overwhelmed from seeing so may different people and being in different situations.

It defintely is hard to deal with because when people go near my DD and when she makes that mad face or starts to cry, I have to explain that its not them. She is shady of everyone not just them. Once she warms up she is okay - still not the friendliest, but she will stop crying.

How old is your DS?

Re: Don't know what to do, at my wit's end

Elizabeth--Small world, it took me a minute when I started reading your post to put two and two together. I forgot where I was yesterday! I'm so glad I sat next to you. You were so nice and it was just nice talking to you yesterday. He's usually great out. I don't know what it is with the shoes, he wore them so that is good.

MissRock--He's 25 months old. I guess it is a phase, he warms up too like you said your daughter does eventually. Maybe it is the new situation. We weren't at home when he saw the new people so I guess it was overwhelming. And the one day it was right when he woke up from a nap that everyone was over at my IL's house. So he woke up to a small party! I sympathize with you about the faces and crying...it depends on the day. If we're out shopping, one day he'll be all smiles if someone talks to him and another day he'll start making the whiny noise like stop looking at me!

Diana & Lori--Thanks for writing! You know I love you guys!

Seles81-- Our sons sound alike! You made me feel better with the sock thing! I'm glad to hear you put him in, now I know what to do if that happens! That's another thing he's been not loving, the bath. Ahh, the list goes on!

And THANK YOU to you guys for writing.