Waking Too Early and Too Much Tv

They make harnesses for toddlers this will give him a little freedom, as far as the tv give him somthing else to play with such as leggos.

I have the same 3 problems! My 2 yr old does the same stuff. I cant help with the first 2 since I cant help myself:) The carriage issue though I got one of those harness things with the animals on the back and he seems to like that we have the monkey one He will wlak like a "big boy" (as much aa a 2yr old will)without running away or tantrums. You can buy them a walmart or anywhere for about ten dollars.
I hope this helps a little Im in the same boat so I know its hard.

Hi J. -
Oh, the two's...
My few cents worth:
Being allowed to watch TV when your son first wakes up sounds like an incentive to get up. The rule we have for our 2 year old is that she can't get up until she sees the sun peeking in from under her shades. Tough in the summer but seems reasonable to us and works well for her. To make my mornings a bit easier (I also have a 9 month old) I take my shower at night after my little ones are in bed. I prefer an AM shower but have resolved to a PM shower for now to make our AMs a bit easier.
Shopping: Try catalog and online shopping --- groceries delivered right to my home has worked well. They charge a delivery & fuel fee but it can be balanced it out with having a large delivery time window (they take a dollor or two off), have the charge taken directly from checking acc. (saves another dollar), and take advantage of promos they often have - such as a free delivery. Plus, not having to go to the store (your time & fuel). AND - not having to physically lug the many bags of groceries into the house while also man-handling your little ones. Not to mention you don't have to think about their napping schedule.
And for when you do go out... I agree with what has been mentioned many times... a harness is wonderful! Don't worry about what other's may think. My thought would be that you're a smart in-control parent who isn't letting her little one run all over the store with the potential to get lost.
My last bit - What ever dicipline action you decide to take - such as saying "no" to TV - remember it will take at least 10 (or More!!) times of you saying "no" for him to understand that you mean it (i.e. he'll keep throwing tantrums until he understands you are sticking to your ground) - and if you give in just ONCE before he "gets it" - you'll be back at square one. Just one "give in" lets him know that with his persistant nagging, he'll eventually get what he wants. So, pick your battles - and stay strong. Have I mentioned inexpensive ear plugs??
Oh - one more add on (sorry) - don't forget that your 2 year old needs that extra love now that a little 3 month old competitor is in the ring.
Hang in there! I highly recommend self-medicating with M & Ms. (My husband never let my supply run low during those first few months after we had #2.)
K. ;-)

Sounds like you just have an energetic 2 year old!

I know SO many people who have children waking up way too early lately. I think it's partly this time of year-- the sun is up so early and it messes with their internal clocks. Try dark shades. If that doesn't work, will he play for a little while quietly in his room? If not, you may have to bite the bullet and either cut down a nap or deal with the early wake time. He will adjust.

For TV-- limit it to an hour a day, and the same times each day. For example, if you need him to settle down before a nap, or first thing in the morning, tell him he can pick ONE show and then the TV goes to sleep for the day. If you get in a routine and stick to it, he will stop asking for TV all day. Just keep him buy with other things-- like, going for a walk, breaking out the play doh, coloring, etc. I find that my son only wants TV if I'm buying doing something else. If you offer to play with him, I bet he'll pick that.

I found that when my son could walk alone, he wanted to do nothing else. It's much more interesting than riding in a carriage! Will he walk with you and hold your hand? If so, let him. If he's forced to ride in a stroller, of course he will run at the first chance. My son has to walk with me or he has to hold on to the side of the stroller. If he doesn't comply, then he doesn't get the right to walk and goes in the double stroller. Try attaching a strap or ribbon the the stroller and telling him he has to hold that and walk beside you. If he lets go or runs off, he has to ride in the stroller. Or you could try those children 'leashes'. When my sister was a toddler, it was the only way my mother could go into stores with us kids because my sister would run. I vowed I would never use one but have heard they are very common in Europe now! I remember taking my year-old son to the Boston Aquarium and worrying where he was every second. Another mom had her busy daughter on a tether and they were all so relaxed and happy. There may be something to it!

O.K. Here is my I'm in the same boat for the third time sympathy. HEHEHE... he is TWO and there is a lot of fun about a two year old, but with it comes a lot of aggravation. He WILL grow out of this stage ( but the next isnt always anymore pleasant,LOL) What I try to do more for myself than for them is put myself in his shoes and try to understand just because I'm busy or on a schedule doesnt change his self centered little life.( Oh yeah and I would be the crazy one expecting another in Nov.) He will grow out of it. Funny how the parenting advice we had befor having our own has changed. Just think and giggle about what the parents that we so graciously gave our opinions to were thinking,LOL.Good luck and just remember, when the baby gets bigger....thats when the real FUN starts.

I know what you are saying about the store. I have a 2 1/2 year old and a 16m. Both girls. I just started with making a picture list for her to look for in the store of things we need. I started today and it seemed to work for part of the time. I think I needed to make the list a little longer. I also think I should have spread the iteams out throughout the store. Its worth a try. Good luck.

J. have you tried keeping your son up later? there is a book you should get is called magic 123, my son is 13 and i never get past 1 he has ADHD and i have used the things i learned from this book since he was 2 1/2 but you have to stick to what the book says. On your second question let him pitch a fit he will learn real quick hows in charge teach him now or you will be sorry my sister made that mistake, also you said that you dont let him scream in the morning because you dont wanna wake you 3 month old well here is some advise on that let your son make as much nosie around the baby other wise you will never get anything done trust me my son would sleep even if a bomb exploded in his ear. I know how you feel though my son would never sleep but you have to stick to you guns. good luck

Welcome to the terrible twos and it it'll extend into the thunderous threes (the TT's) -- Yes, sleep patterns do change and will continue to change. Maybe he's going thru a growth spurt. I agree keep bedtime the same if it's still works. Maybe nap time can be a little earlier. As far as TV, perhaps you can limit him to his favorite shows or a particular time of day. When my son was almost 7 year old was 2 Oswald and Little Bear would help him unwind near the end of the day. And regarding the stroller thing, TRy a harness...It was a lifesaver. One dasy at the mall I was at my wit's end with my son and walked into the Rigth Start (when it was in the mall) and just bought one...he got to walk (but only so far) and I knew where he was.

Good luck
M. M.
45 year old mom of an energetic 1st grader

Hi J.,

Welcome to the terrible twos! This is such a crazy stage. They are still so dependent on us and yet so badly want more independence. Problem 1 I dont really have too much suggestion for, we didn't really go through that, both my kiddos seem to need more than than the average for sleep and never got up early. Problem 2 though I do have some suggestions. First, consistency is very important at this stage. I know how hard it is with the TV, we still have power struggles. If it were up to me, I wouldn't even have one. I used a picture system with my kids at that age, I printed pictures of their favorite shows, videos, etc. I had a printed schedule of when the TV ones were on for myself. When it was "TV TIME" I let them pick a video or show to watch, I also set a large timer with a buzzer for the length of the show and they knew that when it went off that was it, TV went off. I had a small chart and it had 3 spaces. We stuck the TV cards to the chart with velcro once the show was over. Once the spaces for the day were filled up, no more TV. Even a kid as young as yours understands after a few days of using a system like that what it means and how it works. IT sounds like your little guys is very capable of entertaining himself with toys/activities. It may be a struggle at first, but if you are consistent, he'll get into the routine. (I can't express how important this is NOW, it only gets harder as they get older, mine are 10 and 12 now and we still do have power struggles over the TV but because we try to be very consistent, it usually doesn't last long. For the 3rd problem, I packed a small bag with favorite toys for stroller or cart. I often let the kids pack it before we left, and included goldfish crackers or something like that. It helped alot. Some stores also have smaller size grocery carts that the kids can push themselves(or you can bring your own, they are really cheap) and my daughter did so well with this, she loved helping Mommy and felt very grown up with her own cart. Good luck, and this too shall pass!

Hi J....
Problem 1: Is he going through a growth spurt or anything? I have noticed that my kids wake earlier when they are and they wake up ready to chow! Keep the bedtime the same and maybe go down in the morning, get him some milk and explain its still sleepy time. Maybe you could bring him up to your bed and get some snuggles in??

Prob 2: My daughter is the same way. She always wants to "watch a show". My husband and I let her watch some tv when she first gets up and then before nap and bed. The rest of the time we make her do things. Outside play, coloring, walks, errands etc. She could litterally sit her butt in fromt of the Tele all freakin day!!

Prob3: The stroller thing is just a phase. I know it sucks and interferes with you getting errands done and taking normal walks. I think they are loving their independence at that age and want to walk. My daughter went on a 6mos stroller strike after LOVING stroller rides. She is now 3 and either gets in the carriage or listens enough to where outings aren't so horrible.

Your son is between Baby and toddler. Have some of these issues arrisen after the birth of the 3mo old? It might be jealousy acting out or just plain old 2 year old behaviour.
Regardless, you are doing your best. When all else fails use bribery!!!!

We've had several 2 y.o.'s through our house (we are a foster family) and have had a moderate amount of success with taming the terrible two's.

3rd Problem 1st: Consider a "Mommy's Helper" a.k.a. a harnes with a tether that you hold on to. Now they've got one's that look like animals for the kids to wear too. At first I didn't like the idea and worried what other people would think of me having a kid on a leash like a dog, but now I feel so much better knowing that they can't run off. Generally they do not mind and if they do, well then, it's back to the stroller.

2nd Problem: If at all possible remove the t.v. from his view. We actually got rid of our t.v. for a time to better the problem, but an enclosed t.v. cupboard might work.

1st Problem: Do call and respond with him in the mornings so he knows your there, but then he can start to regulate himself. We've had good luck with this and now our little early riser still wakes up early, but just hangs out in his crib until 7 or so when we get him up. We do have some stuffies and a doll in his crib to play with.

It is also just about the right time to start counting to three, but in a consistant way that gets results. I don't know the author, but there is a great book called "One-Two-Three Magic" that really helped us out.

Good luck!

Hi J.,

I really feel for you, but it will get better. :) I have an almost 3 year old and he gets better every day. (Well, maybe not EVERY day, he is two...) Have you tried darkening his room for sleeping? When we moved here 6 weeks ago my little ones were sleeping terribly. I bought some inexpensive black shower curtains, doubled them over and hung them with cup hooks in the space between the window and the blinds. The whole project only took me about an hour per room, but it was worth it. It makes their rooms really dark and then I just tuck the curtains up over the valance during the day. (Doesn't look that nice, but at least we are all sleeping.) :)

The TV thing is a little harder. Mine would watch all day too, but he is extremely stimulated by it so I limit it especially before bed. I've found that he sleeps better if we have another activity before bed, like a few books in the afternoon and bathtime at night. We often have meltdowns about watching tv in the morning and I recently started telling him he was going to go back to bed if he threw a fit. I have only had to put him back in bed once. Now, I warn him and the fits have mostly ceased.

And when we go out I don't give him an option of sitting in the stroller or cart. I tell him that he either sits there or we go home. We've had to go home once. :) But it was worth it. He likes to go and do things and would rather sit than go home. I also bring his favorite treat (Larabars) and he gets one toward the end of the errands if he has behaved. It seems so motivate him.

I hope some of these ideas work for you. Hang in there. The key with a stubborn toddler is consistency. It takes a lot of work and time on the front end, but the results are so worth it. You might have to follow through on some of the threats that are as painful to you as they are to him, but it will teach him your expectations and he will rise to the occasion. Good luck! He won't be two forever. :)

Hi J.,

The difficult thing about this situation is that in all probability it is the TV-watching which is exacerbating the problem behaviors. The more TV a child watches, the more behavioral difficulties and sleep problems develop. And when a child is increasingly difficult to manage, parents tend to let them watch more TV, so that they (the parents) can get some time off to get things done. You end up with a vicious cycle.

Among other problematic side-effects, TV-watching tends to shorten a child's attention span and limit their verbal-language development (sad irony, since many parents believe that TV will actually help their child's talking skills), as well as disrupting their sleep cycles, and, unfortunately, the younger a child is when it is introduced, the harder it is to limit. But it is essential to do so, since otherwise the behavioral problems you and he are suffering with will steadily get worse.

You will probably have to brace yourself for a difficult week of weaning your 2-year-old from TV. However, the longer you wait to do this, the harder the process will be, and the more entrenched the problem behavior(s). Also, let him know clearly, from this point on, that nagging you to get what he wants will no longer be effective. He has figured out that all he has to do is throw a tantrum and you will let him watch TV, which has encouraged him to be obnoxious. As long as he knows that he can watch more TV if he only nags and fusses, he will keep doing that to get what he wants. You need to reassert your authority as parent; you are in charge, not him.

One thing that could help a lot (I've found this to be the case) is to start reading to your child(ren). Reading is a great antidote to TV; it provides children with everything that TV seems to provide but doesn't: social contact and social skill development, pre-literacy development, verbal and language development, creative/imaginative development, the list goes on and on.

This low-tech, simple activity works particularly well with pre-literate kids; they love the intimacy of being read to, and having your undivided attention, and they thrive and grow from it. In addition, hearing and seeing you read will boost their vocabulary acquisition, and help them develop their imagination and their attention span. Being aware of their mother as a reader will make it more likely that they will grow up to be readers, instead of TV addicts. As a result of being exposed to different books that you read, they may begin to act out the stories they like, engage in more creative pretend play, which will in turn help them "self-soothe" more when things don't go their way, or when they need to have quiet time by themselves while you get things done. Story CDs can be substituted occasionally, which they can listen to while engaged in quiet play.

Another reason why it is so important to decrease your 2-year old's TV-watching: so you can avoid the problem altogether with your second child. If you avoid letting your 3-month old regularly watch TV until he is 3 or 4, you will not have to go through this with him. The trick is to avoid regular shows, i.e. the ones that show at a certain time every day, which get your child hooked, so that he feels he has to watch every episode every day, or he'll have a tantrum. If you do let him watch something, better that it be a half-hour stand-alone video, so that he watches it only occasionally, perhaps as a reward for good behavior.

Also if you watch it with him, the two of you can discuss it afterwards; don't let the TV become a babysitter, where you leave the room to get something done, leaving him alone with the TV. TV really hypnotizes and zombifies kids; they do not learn from it, it simply pacifies and silences them, which is terribly tempting for parents, but in the long run, not worth the damage it does.

Please forgive the long posting; after seeing the results of TV-watching on so many children, and doing some research about its effects on little ones, I have become really passionate about this subject!

Good luck!

Hi J.,

Two's are just terrible, no way around it. But consistency is key. If you consistently give in, he will consistently make demands. Regarding the TV, as someone else suggested, come up with a list of things your son can do on his own and invest the time now to encourage those things in place of TV. If you can get him interested in playing with things on his own, you will have a little more leeway to get your things done. And this training will help set him up as he gets older to be self-sufficient and able to occupy himself with healthy activities on his own. It is tiring in the moment to invest the time to show him what he can do on his own, but in the long run, it will be so beneficial to both of you. Establish your TV times and don't waver. He will eventually find something else to do.

My daughter LOVES mixing things, anything! So I think since she was about 2, I've let her sit on the front porch with bowls, spoons, pans, etc and mix with dirt. She is 4.5 now and still chills on the fron porch and mixes and makes "cakes", "cocoa" and many other things while I cook, clean, etc.

Find what he is interested in and work out a way for him to engage with or without you.

Regarding the tantrums at the store, again, be consistent. At any point that you let him get his way with these tantrums he is learning that acting out is a way to get what he wants and that just makes your life difficult. Establish your boundaries and stick with them, regardless of where you are or how others perceive you.

Good luck. It's never easy to establish new routines, but it pays off.

~Liza
30 year old, full-time working, single mom of 4.5 year old girl.

Hi
I don't really have any answer for your first question, but as for the last two I might have some solutions.
Have you tried covering the tv with something like a table cloth so he can't see it? Out of sight out of mind? maybe?
Have you tried a "leash" for your son? they make a sort of harness that goes around his torso and then there is a leash the is attached and you can put it around your arm. This way he still gets to walk around but is tethered to you and you can still shop. Good luck!
-A.

J. I am afraid I don't have much advice for the sleep and tv issues. I dealt with those with each of my kids. (The sleep issue I had to suffer it out. The t.v. issue I understand all to well. (I was a single Mom who worked nights and could only afford to pay a sitter at night. So I learned to cat nap through programs and the tv was my sitter. Bad, I know, but I did what I had to do to make it work. As you should too.)
I do have a suggestion that worked for me with him not wanting to sit in the stroller or carts. My daughter was the same way, I used the child harnesses. (I am sure there is a different term for them, but I just called them kid leashes.) This allowed her her independence yet kept her with me and not running off. I won't lie, people can be unbelievably rude and I over heard comments about how I was treating her like a dog. You know what though? I didn't care. She was happy walking and I didn't have to chase her down or fight with her to stay in a cart. She was safe and that was all that mattered.
I seemed to have wrote a lot to say a little. Sorry. Maybe it will help some though. Best of luck.
K.

the only thing I can suggest about TV is don't have one. that's my solution and it works! console yourself that it will be so much better for him, his personality, his development, for him to find healthier alternatives. it might be worth the temporary difficulty for you for the long term gain. if you find other ways together for him to be occupied, I bet he will be happier, calmer, and easier, and it will be easier for you, after the transition. it might make your lives better in the long run. good luck!
em

Your first problem about bedtime- Does he still nap? Or does he get lots of sun in his room in the morning? If he still naps try cutting back his nap time or throwing it out all together. At 3 some kids still need it and some don't. A child's total time needed for sleep includes naps and as they get older, they need less. Also have you tried putting him to bed a little later? My daughter is 3 1/2 and she goes to bed around 9:30 pm and get up at 7:30, thats with a nap, without a nap, she'll fall asleep around 8:00 and still wake around 7:30. Also, she was waking much earlier after the time change because the light was coming in her room, so I put a dark blanket over her window and that let her sleep later.

Addicted to TV - not sure what to say here. I am very guilty of using TV for entertainment. My daughter's intellegence has not suffered from it, in fact I think it has helped her. She's only allowed to watch Noggin, Disney or PBS. She knew all her shapes, colors, could count to 20 at age 2. She also doesn't just sit and watch most of the time, its usually just having it on and she plays with her toys, like blocks or dress up. She does go to daycare a few days a week so she gets her outdoor play and time with friends. I think that TV is fine as long as they get everything else. And don't beat yourself up about it, I wouldn't want to be caring for a 2 year old and a 3 month old at the same time. You do what you need to to keep your sanity. Being an insane mommy won't help either one of your kids!!

The last issue you are dealing with is something I have dealt with also. At around the same age my daughter decided she wanted to walk and not ride in carriages, unless they are the fun cars like at homedepot or the grocery store. I would explain to your son that if he wants to walk he can, but as soon as he runs away, he will be put back. I know that is what you do now, but are you explaining to him the consequences. If he does run put him back in....tell him if he quiets down and promises not to run again he will be allowed to walk....again if he runs put him back. He needs to learn that he is in control of his consequences. Its up to him to obey the rules and if he does he also gets what he wants. Also, I am sure he is not becoming a bratty child, he is dealing with 2 major things in his life. First, his age....all two year olds start establishing their independence. Most will try to do new things like wanting to walk instead of ride, or wanting to try to pour their own drink or get their shoes on. Its part of their development, and because of their age, if you try to fight that, they become even more unruly. Like I suggested with the stroller, give him the chance to do it, but also tell him the rules and what happens if he doesn't follow them. The other major thing in his life is dealing with a baby in the house. He has been your only baby up until 3 months ago, and some children can welcome their siblings with open arms, and some resort to acting out. He no longer has all your attention and that may also be causing his behavior changes. Make sure that if your little one is napping or just occupied with his swing, ect, that you are still trying to play with your older one. Maybe after the baby falls asleep at night, allow to him stay up a half hour later and just have mommy and him time....play a quiet game or read an extra book...let him know he has special time still with you.

Ha, are you ME?? My two year old daughter is pulling all the same tricks and it is seriously challenging. She wakes between 5-5:30 regardless of what we do (darkening shades, white noise, bribes) and therefore watches too much tv because I need another hour and so does my 1 year old son. I am not a tv person so hate to come downstairs to a zombie watching Clifford the Big Red Dog. I have found that it just has to be turned off at a certain point or she'd watch all day--we say, "Bye-bye shows, see you tomorrow!" and quickly get started on something else more active. In the store she is a nightmare--she won't ride in the cart and I don't use strollers. She is a runner and hider (not to mention a screamer) and it is downright embarrassing when she acts up--I can't leave my lovely, quiet little one year old son in the cart alone while I race after her...UGH. BUT, I have learned to just suck it up--I ignore any unpleasant looks and take any help I can get (someone grab her, please!). I praise her and give her positive consequences for being good in the store (she gets a treat in the car on the way home, or gets to stop at the playground, whatever). They say this will get better, but I think it's just our cross the bear for now :) Good luck!

J.,

I have been there! My first two were 14 months apart and it can be very struggling at times. My oldest although he never really threw a fit while in a stroller would run as soon as he was free. It was very dangerous and scary. My mom finally bought us a monkey harness at Walmart which absolutely changed my life! He was awesome whenever he wore it (sometimes even holding the tail himself.) He loved that thing!! And so did his little brother who also ended up getting one, not because he really needed it...he just thought it was cool.

As for tv. The simple solution is just don't turn it on. When I was pregnant with our third I started using it way too much. It was so easy to just quickly let him watch a show so I could rest, clean, shower, etc. It made him into a little monster...the more he saw the more he wanted. So for three months I completely cut out the tv. I have to admit the first week was extremely difficult...but after that it is absolutely amazing. He never asks for tv, listens to music more and is a much "nicer" person. He is now 4 1/2 and I have other challenges with him...but thank goodness the tv is no longer one of them. Good luck!

H. (mom of 4 1/2, 3 1/2 and 11 mth old boys.)

Hi~ I could identify with a lot of what you wrote. My super active, now 4yr old, has always been an early riser. It definately changes with the seasons, in the winter he sleeps until 6:00-6:30, in summer 5:00-5:30. At two he was still sleeping with us & even now he comes in to bed with us for 1/2 hour morning cuddle time, which we welcome. Altough DH & I groan about the early waking, we've also learned to appreciate it. DH works late a few nights a week & really appreciates the extra time with his son. He takes DS into the kitchen for some one-on-one time, while I grab an hour of much needed alone time. We try to keep the before 6 time really quiet, reading stories, etc.
My son also had really limited tolerance for the stroller, would only sit in it while having a brief snack. We used the sling & backpack & those we're more effective, but what worked best was teaching him to walk holding my hand. I taught him by calmly repeating "we hold hands when we walk" & taking his hand over & over & over again. Repetition was definately the key. Saying "holding hands or backpack" (or stroller) helped too. When food shopping I would put him in the cart, but try to really involve him in what I was doing..talking to him about the food, giving him interesting veggies to hold, etc. It helped to shop with a very organized list. The more browsing kind of shopping we just avoided for awhile.
RE: TV - Someone else suggested this too...Try taking it out of the equation. Hide it. But also find other things to fill those times when you need a few minutes (I know with the new baby it's hard when you desperately need some time). Here's some of the things that worked (still work) w/ us: Water, a sink of tupperware standing on a chair 'doing dishes'; books on tape; playdough; pillow forts or a blanket over the table; favorite music. All the pots & pans out to make a drumset (DS got drumsticks for 2nd birthday). Books! A big roll of paper & crayons. Involve him in chores if possible (DS used to 'fold' the cloth napkins & clean our baseboards with a baby wipe). After a few hard days (or weeks), the routine will have changed & you may be surprised at how creative your son becomes @ entertaining himself. Good luck with your two beautiful boys (I'm expecting my second in Sept)!

Hi,

I see you've already had a lot of good responses and you now know you are hardly alone.

My first daughter has never seemed to have needed as much sleep as other kids. She drove me crazy when she was a baby. If she sees the sun, she's up. I have often busied her with coloring in the early morning hours while I slept some more. Maybe you could hang a bag of favorite books and toys and crayons by your son's bed so he could occupy himself until everyone wakes up. Change the items each night so he'd have a new "suprise" in the morning. Or, if you don't like leaving him with all that alone, just take him out of bed and let him play by the foot of yours - you won't get the best of rest after that but perhaps it is better than screaming.

As for TV, I've had major problems with that too. I've significantly cut down the hours my kids watch, and I take out the plug in between viewings to avoid "self-service," but my kids are still glued to the tube. I need to stand in front of the screeen to communicate with them. But I praise you for letting him watch it in short time allotments - if you want to cut down on it, start with one block at a time -- sort of like when weening a baby from nursing one feeding at a time, now just one viewing at a time. It may be a long process but after a few months, you will be much more relieved. Also, once your infant approaches one year (and walking too), the two will play together more which will help allieviate the dependence on TV.

Sounds like your boy wants his independence. When I was in Germany, a lot of people with young children had Kiddie Boards - a board on wheels that attached to a babycarriage so that an older sibling could stand and ride while you push the carriage. Don't know if those are available in the States but it might work becaue sometimes he could ride and sometimes he could walk. Peronally, I hate the leashes but I know how anxious one can be with a small one in tow. My tip, be strong and just lead him wherever you what to go, give him the warning that if ther'e any fuss he can go straight home. I think there's now harm in offering him a reward (m &ms or Ice cream or cookies, whatever) for a fuss-free outing when he stays by your side. Also, if he's walking, hold him by the wrist not his hand, you'll have more control over him that way.

Good luck and rest assured, it gets easier.

I'm thinking that problem #1 and #2 are related. Try not letting him watch tv when he wakes up in the morning (at least not until a more reasonable hour). If he thinks that he can always watch tv when he first wakes up, then there's more incentive for him to want to get up when he first wakes up. If he realizes that he can't watch anything right away, then he might eventually decide to stay in bed for a while. I know this will be challenging, since 5:00 is so early and since it is a hard habit to break, but it will be worth it if you can even get him to sleep another hour! In my opinion, he is watching too much tv, and he probably know he can get his way with it. I would try either stopping tv altogether for a week or so, or strictly limit it to one part of the day (for example, late afternoon for no more than an hour). I know this could be tough on you, but I'm sure you could find ways to occupy his time and divert his attention. After a while he won't expect it so much. If you can just make it through the rough period without giving in, you'll probably be pleasantly surprised with the results. I don't really have a good suggestion for the stroller issue. One of my sons didn't care to be in the stroller much either, but he really enjoyed helping me to push his younger brother in the stroller when I was out doing errands. I felt like I got more accomplished when I gave him a little bit of independence, even if it slowed me down a bit. Hope it all works out for you!

It appears that he's trying very hard to be independent and at the same time feeling worried about receiving less attention from you. So, he's using any means possible to get a reaction from you. I've been reading two books that have been helpful. Toddler 411 is a wonderful book.
I've also been reading The Happiest Toddler on the Block by Dr. Karp. Your message doesn't mention if you have a partner who can help you when you run errands. Perhaps, you and a friend could make an arrangement to take turns watching each other's children so the other person can run an errand.
Good luck.

Yes, J.... You've reached that "stage" in motherhood where you won't get anything done for a while! Give up and relax! But, seriously, there are things we do in the short-term to make our lives easier (like the dvd while we take a quick shower as long as everyone is safe). You're tired and you need a few perks here, too! A shower is hardly a deluxe vacation for two, but it makes you feel better! Just pick your fights and stand your ground otherwise. I know it's hard when you're tired. Get a great list of activities together for your two year old (playdough, paints outside, water play, etc...) It will help to have a list when your brain is too tired to function. I would forget the shopping trips for now.... You could try a bribe like ice cream or a coloring book if he's good while you shop (a trip to the playground works wonders), but otherwise don't put yourself into the position of being stressed by these little guys while you shop. Try the shopping again in a few months. Good-luck and above all keep your patience and get your "perks."

I know i'm a little late responding and a lot of the other posters have some really great ideas.

I, too, had to finally learn that the TV is NOT the devil. I read an article (probably the only one i have EVER read that doesn't say how evil it is) that asked me, what would you and/or the kids be doing if they were NOT watching TV? Getting yelled at? Being put in their rooms b/c of bad behavior? having you go out of your mind? The TV can be a very good thing.

Another way we combat this is by turning on the computer. (we just happen to have one in the main room) my little one, who is now 2.5 yrs, can manipulate the mouse like no one's business (she can switch between users, put CD's in and out of the disc drive, choose what game she wants to play etc. We use Starfall.com and fisherprice.com as the two online sites she uses. I have found this a GREAT alternative to the TV. If he doesn't get the mouse right away give it time. it takes a bit to learn the small motor control that the mouse takes.

She is 2.5 and knows all the letters, sounds of the letters and all her numbers up to 20. The scary thing is I DIDN'T TEACH HER!! we practice... but this was all learned on the computer -- all directed by herself.

Hi J. -

Look, the TV is NOT the devil - repeat after me: The TV is not the devil! :-) Everything in moderation. Don't feel guilty if your son enjoys TV while you are able to get a shower, or something done around the house. Should it always be on and running? Probably not, but the world will still turn and your son will be JUST FINE and will excel academically in school, even if he is watching TV a lot.

As long as the programs are age appropriate, I see no problem with that. My boys are now 8 and 7, and they probably watch too much tv than they should, that said, they have EXCELLENT report cards all the time (the only thing needing work from both is their handwriting) and they get enough outdoor time, and quiet time. They are fine.

Sesame Street was my babysitter growing up, that didn't stop me from being highly successful. Again, should it be used to that extent, probably not, but just be smart about it and your son will be fine.

The sleep schedule: some kids just need less sleep. It sounds like he's going to bed at a decent hour, maybe check with the pediatrician to see if anything can be done about that?

Good luck and keep us posted!!

PS: A lot if what he's doing sounds like terrible twos - I'm sure he's not a brat, and you are doing all you can to take good care of them! Give yourself a pat on the back!!

SORRY - I have to add my 2 cents worth after reading the other posts. As for the sitting in the stroller/carriage: This is one, where you can do one of two things, as I personally am so NOT a harness person for my child, it is too much like an animal leash - I mean NO offense to anyone who uses them - you do what works, they just aren't for me.

1.) In this case, you tell your child firmly that they must sit, or we go home. And follow through. Stay firm on this. At that age, they are going to test to see what they can get away with.

2.) My boys are NOT shoppers, they hate it. So to save my own sanity, and if you can do it - shop alone when your spouse is home, or if you can get a family member to sit the kids while you go, or get a sitter. It's well worth the sanity and avoids the harness/carriage issue altogether.

Again, good luck to you and sorry for the long post!!