Me not like it here mummy

Little man has now had 3 of the major tantrums. Just as you think you're having the terrible twos, they suddenly rear themselves up and come at you with the even more terrible than the terrible twos!

We are now into screaming for ages and thrashing all body parts around wildly whilst crying and tthrowing oneself around. Any attepmt to cuddle, pick up or even approach is met with shouts of " No, no, no, me not want you to come here, me not want a cuddle. Distraction, tickling and even bribery (not recommended) do NOT work anymore, even if you do resort to bribery you find your little darling will suddenly declare he doesn't like his favourite thing in the world, even chocolate!

Attempts to remove tantrum throwing child from car seat or pushchair are at ones own risk and the likelihood of receiving a wallop from one of the thrashing limbs is quite likely.

Whilst in mid major tantrum the terror tot will shout out sentences such as, "me not like it here", "me not like trains", "me wants to you to go away" and the gut recthing "me not like you Mummy" cue biting lip to prevent tears.

By the end of it (and you will be waiting a while) you may also be crying, it's not nice to watch this happening to your little darling. You may also be rather angry and there is no point shouting at your little monster. Anger is rather contaigious so walk away and scream into your pillow.

Eventually your little darling will be returned to their previous state, beware of the eye of storm as sometimes this is only a temporary restoration of calm.

Post event, lots and cuddles and kisses, don't talk about it just hold them tight and tell them you love them. Make them a small snack and suggest an activitiy to do together.

At 7pm or whenever your little one is finally asleep, collaspe onto bed and have a big sigh!

Oh and these can happen at night too! We were up for 2 hours on Tuesday night, with one he woke up having a major tantrum.

After a few days you will probably feel quite emotional, I do. I don't want anyone to take my little one for a while to look after him. I just feel a bit overwhelmed, I think it sneaks up on you all of a sudden!

We're now working hard on tantrum avoidance tactics, which involves quick thinking and lots of patience. Turning everything in to a game or race and pretending to be a steam train in the middle of Tescos also helps!!!