Who has my 20 month old turned into? Is she going to be this way for a long time?
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Serena asked:
I've got a pretty easy toddler. She's fussy at times, but has always gone to bed easily, gotten ready to go easily, and if I put the TV on I can always cut her nails or do other tasks she's not the happiest about. But lately, just this week, she's started being very difficult. I can't cut her nails even with the TV on (I have to hold her down to do it) and getting dressed in the morning is a horrible experience and so are diaper changes. Had a really messy diaper tonight and an extremely squirmy baby. Two of us weren't enough to get her diaper changed. Thought maybe she'd like to give toilet training a try but she has no interest so that's not the reason. Is this a phase or am I in it already for the terrible twos? She's always been fiercely independent but now it's even worse. Now she's refusing to let me buckle or her in her highchair (but she wants to be buckled she just wants to do it.) That's fine with me, but it's like this in all affairs. She's a bright little girl so she figures out things pretty easily, I fear I'm in for it. What are your experiences?
Oh, and any advice on diapering and dressing a squirmy fighting baby would be much appreciated.
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I've got a pretty easy toddler. She's fussy at times, but has always gone to bed easily, gotten ready to go easily, and if I put the TV on I can always cut her nails or do other tasks she's not the happiest about. But lately, just this week, she's started being very difficult. I can't cut her nails even with the TV on (I have to hold her down to do it) and getting dressed in the morning is a horrible experience and so are diaper changes. Had a really messy diaper tonight and an extremely squirmy baby. Two of us weren't enough to get her diaper changed. Thought maybe she'd like to give toilet training a try but she has no interest so that's not the reason. Is this a phase or am I in it already for the terrible twos? She's always been fiercely independent but now it's even worse. Now she's refusing to let me buckle or her in her highchair (but she wants to be buckled she just wants to do it.) That's fine with me, but it's like this in all affairs. She's a bright little girl so she figures out things pretty easily, I fear I'm in for it. What are your experiences?
Oh, and any advice on diapering and dressing a squirmy fighting baby would be much appreciated.
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I feel your pain! My sweet angel baby has taken on a new personality! lol I think it’s a good sign that they are developing normally and they are learning that they are a person not just a part of us. My daughter is 19 months old and she is doing the same kind of things as your daughter only add in she will not sit in a stroller or shopping cart. She is taking off her clothes and diaper at random times of the day…oh the list goes on! My best advise is do your best to enjoy it. My oldest is 10 and I tell ya they grow up way to fast!
My daughter is the same age.
She never lets me cut her nails easily and nappy changes can be hard.
If she dosen’t want a nappy change then and there, then say “OK, fine, no nappy change for you” and walk off like you don’t care. Wait til she forgets about the fun of trying to get away from you and change her a few minutes later.
My bubby will let me cut her finger nails one at a time, if I cut mine first. She will not let me anywhere near her toe nails, so i cut them when she falls asleep for a nap!
What you’ve got goin on there is definitely the start of the terrible two’s. What they don’t tell you is that the terrible two’s don’t start when they are two…..for us they started at around 18-20months, so your right in line. My daughter was (and for the most part still is) a very easy child to care for. Gear up for many more episodes….. and learn how to discover a whole lot of patience just when you think there is none left. Your “easy” toddler just decided it was time to start branching out so to speak….. trying out new behaviours, ideas, pushing the limits and exploring new avenues!! It’s quite fascinating to see the transition at this point!! My daughter is now a little past 3 and things have settled down quite a bit…… although the 3’s are a whole new challenge!!
Oooh I could have written this about my daughter. She is sooo independent and wants to do everything herself…everything. She now knows she can do more and wants to, it isnt a bad thing but it can be very trying on the nerves.
It most likely isnt a phase…sorry, it is her personallity…she will be a strong woman though.
For the diaper changing you could tell her after you clean her she can wear big girl undies…take her shopping,let her pick them out it will give her control and may inspire her to want to use the potty.Or wait a few months and try this, this is how my daughter trained herself, she picked out the undies and the next day she put them on and was trained, only 3 accidents. you could also wait untill she is watching tv, or have someone lay down with her to read a book and you could change her. My daughter is a nudist…lol. she hates being dressed. so I would let her run around naked for a while after I took her diaper off…I really had no choice I was tired of fighting with her.
I am also in fear of what is to come. But as an adult she will be a strong successful women and no one will take advantage of her.
I cut her nails in the bath tub…might work for you also.
I felt as if I was reading a story about my own life!!! I have a 20 month old as well and she too has turned into a little ‘monster’ these past 3 weeks. I also found out that we are pregnant a month ago so I was thinking it had something to do with the new excitement in the house…but I think our kidos are just normal. I would never have thought the terrible 2’s would come so early but from everything I have heard and read I think that is what this is- just a phase! My little one has also been harder to put to sleep and more independent with EVERYTHING and complains about being in the car seat when she has never done that before.
We do a lot more time outs these days but I also find that she is more loving too- when she is in the mood.
I have done my daugther’s nails while in the carseat. This way she can’t squirm all over the place- good luck!