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My toddler scratches a lot and gets angry quickly.

3 replies

Dounoontje
We have a son who is almost 3.5 years old. It’s now known that he has a speech disorder, and after this summer holiday, he will also go to Kentalis for extra support. He’s already had extra support at the psz for almost a year and goes to speech therapy. His language comprehension is, by the way, accurately age-appropriate.
But our little man scratches, hits, and often screams. When we forbid him something, our furniture has to suffer.
I find it hard to put this in writing because I don’t want to sound too negative about him.
At home, he’s often almost unmanageable. He doesn’t listen, or listens poorly. When I want to hug him, he scratches me or my partner. Other adults and children also often have to suffer. We’ve really said as often as possible that it’s not allowed, but it doesn’t help at all.
When we forbid him something or say something isn’t allowed, his toys or our furniture have to suffer. He throws things, doors, bites tables, and bangs against the stair gate. New is him tearing his clothes and spitting.
He’d prefer us to entertain him almost continuously. If we’re not in the mood once, he does things out of boredom that aren’t allowed. When we want to play with him, we’re often not allowed to join in, and he finds it cozy when we’re around him.
I really dread getting him out of bed in the morning. Everything seems like a battle with him. Outside, he just walks wherever he feels like. I can’t trust him. My partner doesn’t want to walk with him or go to the store anymore because he misbehaves then. Fortunately, it’s less with me, but I do appreciate it when he takes him along sometimes.
We don’t understand any of it. He was such an easy baby who slept through the night after two nights and hardly ever cried. Since his "puberty," he’s changed so much. I just miss his baby time.
The suspicion is that his behavior largely comes from him not being able to express himself, but for me, this goes too far. I notice that I’m starting to dislike him and myself. I just feel like a failed mother. I’d so much like to receive love from him again. And yes, I try to give him love, but I notice I can’t bring myself to do it as much anymore.
Because strangely enough, it goes up and down. Sometimes it’s good for 2 days, and then it’s completely off again.
Maybe there are other mothers who are dealing with this, and there are still good tips.
Greetings, Dounoontje

Replies

  1. Amy #2

    When I read this, I also think the behavior comes from his speech disorder. I'm no expert, but I think he must get angry and frustrated a lot because he can't express himself.
    Could it help to teach him sign language? I once read a similar story where they taught the baby sign language (alongside speech therapy), so the child could at least communicate and was therefore less angry and defiant.
    Good luck anyway.
  2. *Lotus* #3

    Have you had your toddler further examined? What Amy says, I can totally relate to, but maybe there's more to it. Your little boy seems almost autistic, and that's not bad, but it would be nice if you both got help and support. It sounds like a big gap is forming between you. And from your story, I understand that you don't really want that at all. Lots of strength with everything, and I hope you regain the love and joy again
  3. Anonymous Guest #4

    I'm a mom of 4 kids, 2 of whom need extra care. Behavioral issues. I don't think it's caused by his speech delay.

    You mention that his vocabulary is actually quite good. That it started during his toddler years, and mainly when he doesn't feel like it, when what he has in mind doesn't happen. His will is law.

    I think his speech delay is more of a symptom of something else.

    I'd seek help sooner rather than later. You're both getting worn down by this. Have him observed for a longer period, both at home and at school. Really take action. Right now, you can still "guide" him more easily.

    We weren't heard, and now we have two teenagers who didn't get the right help in time. We even had to place one of them in foster care. I recognize so much of your story in my own.

    Stay strong, mama! Fight for your beautiful son!

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