At the end of the month my little munchkin will turn 2, the phrase “time flys when your having fun” pops into my head but I think it needs some revision, maybe “time flys when your having tantrums” as this is currently my life! I wrote a post last year called Toddler V Parent and recently the battle is back on, so I thought why not do round 2.
I’ve almost got used to the tantrums, but the main issue at the moment is communication. Phoebe has always been very vocal and expressive so when her first words starting coming, it meant she could really tell me what she wanted or more to the point what she didn’t want. Fast forward a few months and you can’t shut her up, it’s so funny hearing her voice properly. Always waving to people on the bus, saying bye bye as they get off, and shouting “gooooo” when we stop at the lights and she’ll normally make some little old dears day with her cheeky charm and chat. Sometimes we get looks as I’m singing “wheels on the bus (actions and all) but it keeps her happy (most of the time) and to be honest I couldn’t really give a toss what people think.
Phoebe is at that development stage again, where she can’t quite say and do all the things she would like to, so keeps reverting back to this weepy whining to get her own way and then if she still doesn’t get her own way will either
- Throw a huge paddy, with tears/foot stamping
- Get angry, throw things or throw thing at me
- Shout “Nannnnaaa” really loud
- Or all of the above
Next up we have the mountain goat climber. She literally will climb anything and everything, anywhere and then insist on “no help” when she is clearly stuck. Her favourite is climbing onto the coffee table, then she’ll shimmy herself on the window ledge like some sort of ninja, it’s scary stuff policing a toddler all day and the climbing is a constant battle!
We had a bad incident a few days ago that resulted in a cut lip. Phoebe is up and down the chairs like a fricken yoyo, so I knew it was going to happen sooner or later. She took a lunge/dive straight off the chair and onto her face, 2 big teeth marks on her bottom lip, lots of blood and tears…just what you need during teething right!?
Cleaning is something that Phoebe finds fascinating, obviously she’s picked it up from watching me cleaning the house (occasionally the anti bac wipes come out) and will be quite firm in letting me know she wants to help out. I don’t think she’s quite understood the whole cleaning or laundry yet.
Here’s a little list of Phoebes current cleaning trends I wouldn’t try at home
- Taking daddy pigs clean socks off the clothes horse and declaring them yucky before throwing them into the bin.
- Picking up any object and launching it into the sink followed by screaming “clean”
- Deciding the clothes need a little more cleaning, so changing the dial (I forgot the child lock) on the washing machine.
- Helping with the dusting by shaking the large fluffy duster,the more shit that comes off it the better, apparently!
- Sweeping up is generally carried out by running up and down (do I do this?) with broom then getting it stuck in the door mat, falling over onto broom, broom is taken off her. End of sweeping.
- Window cleaning is a daily task for feebs, she feels is best to attack them with sticky hands preferably after eating an orange or raspberries, as this really gets the best results.
When Phoebe is eating it’s pretty much the only time she sits still (apart from banging her feet to make a loud noise!) this is of because she’s strapped down happily chomping away. However over the last few weeks she’s not been so keen on the chair, is wriggling around loads, flipping her head back doing her giraffe impression, and eating it seems has become more of a playtime. Crushing what used to be her favourite crisps into dust is the new trick, proceeded by rubbing it into her eyes, hair and then getting annoyed, it’s a viscous circle. I think it’s partly down to her molar coming through, so lots of smoothies and fruit at her request.
Hand holding is another hot topic with Phoebe. The stroller is now her nemesis as she loves to walk and is great on her feet, however she hates holding hands. I have the toddler ladybird Little Tikes backpack & reins which is going okay, but she just won’t listen and is always making an attempt to dart across a busy main road. This situation always ends up with her back in the buggy (eventually) after a temper tantrum and normally some form of bribe from me, Nanna or crisps will often do it!
There are many more of Phoebe’s toddler-isms I could mention and yes parenting right now feels like a constant battle but even after a tough day policing my crazy, fearless Phoebe around I wouldn’t change it for the world. My munchkin is turning into a very socialable, confident little girl. I love watching her grow and master new skills,she is constantly making me and everyone around her giggle, so I must be doing something right.
Do you feel like your always battling with your kids? What’s the one sentence you have to repeat hundreds of times a day, tell me I’m not alone in this!?
I also have a toddler who likes to assist with the cleaning – yesterday she took mucky rainwater and an old dish sponge which we had used to clean fox poo off the dog (which to be fair my husband should have thrown away not left on the decking! Urgh) and “cleaned” the inside and outside of the conservatory doors.
I also own a mountain goat. He is only nine months old but already strikes the fear of god into me!
Looks like she has won this round! Go Phoebe!
Thanks for linking to #Chucklemums 🙂
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That’s literally sounds like a bad dream!!! Fox shit is sooo smelly, did the house stink? The climbing is something else, just one false move and Bang!!! Good luck with it all and yes I think she’s winning at the moment.
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My boy is 5 and still loses his sh1t at least five times a day, usually because he doesn’t want to wait to do something. Who wants to learn patience?? Anyone?? No?? Thanks so much for linking up with our first #chucklemums
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Oh that’s not what I want to hear! But at least I’m be alone 🙂 I hope the link up went well, good luck with it. I have a feeling I’ll be back
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My daughter is so independent it frightens me! She is able to reach octaves that I never even knew existed.. It’s painful really! 😉
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#bloggerclubuk
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I know exactly what you mean they don’t want any help and then at the same time they want to do everything with you! I’ve got used to loud noises now but it still hurts my ears X
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Oh, I’d love her to come to my house and help with he cleaning please. I love this phase where they babble away but also can remember being glad sometimes when they went to bed to get a bit of peace. TY for linking up with #FamilyFun 🌸
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Oh I’m not sure you would, it takes so much longer with a toddler chasing the broom around!! The babbling is great, the shouting commands doesn’t stop at bed time, shes singing away to herself as I write this! And then will do one big shout and sleep X thanks for linking! Peace and a Chinese tonight 🙂
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Oh man I so remember this…it does get a lot better as they get closer to three. My one mantra was and still is ride the rainbows and hold on tight for the s***storms…and BREATHE! Thanks for linking up to #coolmumclub lovely x
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It’s such a battle everyday, but I think I need to start doing a happy list as she also does some amazing thing and I forgot those sometimes! My partners motto is prepare for the worst and hope for the best. Thanks for hosting and I really hope this stage doesn’t last long and these molars appear soon.
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Love this! Your little girl is adorable, I love that she “helps” when cleaning, hopefully good habits to pick up for when she’s older! It doesn’t sound like falling phases her,she’s a brave little girl which will be great when she’s older but stressful for you right now! #coolmumsclub
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Thanks so much she really has no fear and is a brave girl, constantly falling and bumping her head in to all sorts plus I’m getting better at not reacting 🙂 I really hope the cleaning can be something to continue and hopefully work on it a bit, hehe. Stressful indeed X
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Haha momma you’re so not alone that I based the name of my blog on how many times a day I repeat myself! I swear, little E is 3 and it has gotten worse. I do hear boys are worse then girls though so fingers crossed for you! ❤
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Thanks! It’s nice to hear. Love the blog name 🙂 and the repetition is driving me up the wall, and she’s started to copy all the little faces I do!!! She’s like a boy, well like her dad! A bull in a china shop 🐂
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Aww but look how cute!! No, you’re definitely not alone, though I know that doesn’t help. I find chocolate and wine gets you through though 😉 #brillblogposts
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She is amazing but it’s bloody hard work, chocolate is a life saver and a good Chinese on a Saturday night whilst doing tax returns, how rock and roll! Thanks for the words of encouragement 🙂
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My son is two next month and we are very much in this stage too!! It’s hard work but it does pass, my daughter will be three next month and I have definitely noticed her growing out of this stage…a little at least! #picknmix
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It’s a hard stage, she doesn’t stop and when she does it normally means she’s up to no good! It’s also nice to hear I’m not alone and I want to enjoy this stage but jee Zeus 2 is as tricky and terrible as people say.
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Gosh – exactly the same stage right now! And it upsets me as my son can be so well behaved around others, but so tearful around me. Def agree with Mess & Merlot – wine and chocolate! 🙂 #BloggerClubUK
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Why do they do that and make it feel like a right doosh!! My daughter does it all the time. However she had a proper temper tantrum with my mum the other day and she was like “oh I see what you mean now!!!” I’ve got a big glass of Merlot being pouring right now, and breathe 🙂
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My two are all over the ‘helping’ to clean, preferably by wiping things, too! & the reverting to whining as communication when irate! #chucklemums
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The whining is driving me crazy, and the hand grabbing and dragging from room to room!! The helper has been on form today! Throwing all the clean washing we had just taken out the machine onto the dirty fluffy floor ( I hadn’t swept yet) luckily it was her clothes mainly!
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Our littlest, much like Phoebe, is a mountain goat. So we are constantly yelling “GET DOWN!!!!” And, of course, he never listens. I don’t remember my eldest being like this! It so refreshing to know that I’m not alone! X #KCACOLS
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I know I feel like a James brown impersonated, shouting get down🎤 hundreds of times a day, I feel your pain. Unfortunately it takes a bad fall for them to realise mummy is right!
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At least she is trying to help out with the cleaning! All be it badly! I love a strong willed toddler! I hope her lip healed? #KCACOLS
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Thanks for the re-tweet and yes the strong willed ones are tough but you wanna try telling her the clean clothes need hanging up not dumping on the floor. Also her lip must have been quite bad as she’s got 2 little lumps and marks, almost blue, I hope it doesn’t scar 😬 thanks for readings X
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She’s so gorgeous! What a funny post, she sounds hilarious. My friend’s little 2 year old would put all the clean stuff her mum had just put into drawers etc back into the laundry basket, or if it was full of dirty stuff she would try and put it away haha. #KCACOLS
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Thanks! She is a funny little one, full of character 🙂 crazy at times ( i don’t know where she gets it from!) that’s pretty much what feebs does,funny but not all the ruddy time! Thanks for reading X
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I wish my little ones would help me with the cleaning 🙂 Your little one sounds really funny #KCACOLS
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I wouldn’t call it help! Yeah she’s a nutter in a good way, people are always saying what a great personality she has, it’s a nice way of saying she’s full on I think 🙂 she does make me giggle quote a lot. Thanks for reading x
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Oh such an entertaining post – I love the way you write – so engaging and so funny – I laughed out loud several times! But don’t you sometimes want to throw things in the sink and scream at someone else “cleeeeeeeean!” oh and I would love to stamp my foot in anger and strop – Oh, hang on, it’s been known! fab fab read #KCACOL
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Oh thanks so much. 😊 I tend to write how I talk, with less babbling. It’s really nice to hear I made you laugh and yes I copy her now and just throw all the dirty dishes and shout “clean, if you can’t beat em join they say! Thanks for reading X
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I feel like I am always fighting my five year old! I can’t even think what I always say but I seem to be forever shouting NO. Actually STOP CLIMBING ON THE BLOODY FURNITURE is quite loud and frequent. Oh, so is STOP RUNNING, YOUR ROOM IS TEN STEPS FROM THE LIVING ROOM. YOU WILL HURT YOURSELF. Kids do not listen, ever. #kcacols
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I can imagine that’s hard work, and they are really fast at that age! My daughter also has no speed dial and will run from the the front door through the house to the other side and repeat, I’ve started making into a game, she loves it! Thanks for reading X
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I loved reading this post because I identified with it so much! My son is 2 about 6 weeks after your daughter and you could have been describing him! Tantrums galore! The only difference is he’s becoming lazy at walking but doesn’t want to go in the buggy. He wants carrying! Not a chance when he’s 2stone of Toddler! It took me and my sister to pin him into the buggy the other day. I feel your pain! #KCACOLS
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That’s so nice to hear, as I sometimes feels like my child is the only one who is like it!! I didn’t actually mention the buggy battle, other than the bribes but I also have to pin her down and shes so long that she pushes herself off the foot rest and straightens her body, which as you know makes it near enough impossible to strap them in! I’m normally sweating and just trying to stay calm when this happens, so your not alone!!! The struggle is real and they are so heavy, my feebs also wants carrying loads. Hope you have a good week and thanks for reading X
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Haha, so much of this is what I’ve been going through with my son lately too… sometimes I think where has my sweet baby gone and then other times I love how I’m watching him turn into a little person right before my eyes with his own funny mannerisms and strongly independent ways. He’s a proper little climber too… it’s terrifying at times! #KCACOLS
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I can actually remember saying that very same sentence, it’s like something switches and they suddenly turn into a proper toddlers, and I have to agree it’s amazing watching them development! Thanks for reading X
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The battles never stop the number of times I have to say to one of my two kids to “clean their room or else (insert empty threat)” is depressing to count. Good luck in your battles. #KCACOLS
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It really is a battle, and I dread those days of room cleaning and homework! Thanks for reading x
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I feel your pain. Our little guy turned 2 in late Jan and will climb anything and everything he can. I have often turned my back on him in the kitchen, only to turn back and have him standing proudly in the middle of the kitchen/dining table. Our guy is Autistic, so hasn’t made the vocal leap yet, but can’t wait to be able to communicate with him more.
Thanks for sharing! #KCACOLS
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Wow that’s what Phoebe did the first time! I couldn’t believe it! When they words come it’s so lovely, hope he’s not got into too much trouble since the table situation. I feel like a bouncer always picking them up!! Thanks for reading X
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My son is fiercely independent and loves cleaning. And boy can he give a good strope performance I might need to take him to drama classes 😉 X #kcacols
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Get him enrolled ASAP!!! In glad it’s not just that wants to do everything themselves, little adults!! Thanks for reading X
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Holding hands is a tough one! If mine didn’t hold hands they were straight in the buggy or I held them. It didn’t take long for them to realize they had to hold hands to walk & I never had an issue since. So keep persevering 🙂 Thanks so much for linking up with us at #bloggerclubuk x
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She’s getting better and learning that if doesn’t listen then it’s in the buggy…we’ll get there! Thanks for the tips, it’s hard work when they have no fear like my minx 🙂 thanks for reading
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This is a lovely post, it really provides insight into a two year old and their mannerisms. Mine is only 8 months old, but I can already imagine what I’m going to be up against! Like you, it wouldn’t bother me if my little one was singing on the bus, I think I would find it quite sweet. I love how Phoebe is trying to help you clean-up around the house too, hopefully that is a sign of things to come. As you say one day your child maybe having a tantrum, then the next day be good as gold, I often find this and take it one day at a time, and yes I wouldn’t change it for the world. Thanks so much for linking up at #KCACOLS. Hope you come back again next Sunday. Claire x
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Thanks for reading and commenting 🙂 they change so quickly and surprise you all the time, good and bad. We’ve had some funny moment this week, tantrums over wanting more corn on the Cobb was my highlight! Good luck x
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Love this post, we also have a mountain goat climber! I love it as they get older watching their little personality start to show. Thanks for linking to #PickNMix
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They are funny little things, and I totally agree watching their little character come alive is magaical and dangerous! My daughter has no fear when it comes to climbing, is yours like this too? How old? Thanks for reading
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Ha ha to be fair daddy pigs socks probably are still yucky! 🙂 I have constant battles with Baby. Thanks for linking up to #TheList x
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Agreed, however the ones with holes in she deemed fit for use! How does she rate them? Smell maybe? Thanks for reading and hosting 🙂
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Oh my gosh, she sounds like and older version of Kinley (he is 16 months), he is way more into stuff than the other two ever were, and it is bloody tiring! I will warn you though…threenagers really aren’t fun either #KCACOLS xx
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Don’t tell me that’ I have a whole year of this then another year of the 3’s…Arrgghh help me! Phoebe has just started stacking things up to get extra height..it’s scary how quickly they work this stuff out. Thanks for reading X
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