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Behaviour/development

2yr old and mean words / raspberries :(

10 replies

kiwidreamer · 13/06/2013 13:46

DD has just turned two, a few months back she picked up the word 'stupid' from her older brother (who rarely said it but she caught on to it none the less) and used it to describe every and all frustrations in her life... I know the words of a barely 2yr old should be taken with a grain of salt but man alive if anyone else in this world had spoken to me like that day after day I'd be very justified in have a word about their manners!!!

Yesterday she blew a raspberry at me in the same manner, frustrated and upset, and today it has continued and I'm getting increasingly upset by this behaviour.

Help!

I tried ignoring as per the majority of advice (both stupid and raspberries) but its making NO difference. I've tried 'that isn't nice, that hurts mummy's feelings' she doesn't give a hoot. I tried putting her away from me when she did it 'when you are ready to use nice words come and see me'. NOTHING makes any difference. All the oldies were disaprooving in the supermarket this morning I just wanted to ask them what I'm supposed to do, do they expect me to smack her or something, I just don't know how to get through to her, she is so young she really doesn't understand punishments or link them to the 'crime'. Altho after having a total meltdown at nap time today and saying stupid mummy and raspberrying at me I said no story, children who do X and Y don't get stories. Mostly cos I was so upset with her I just wanted to get out of the room, she had a huge cry for a couple of minutes and went to sleep.

Part of me thinks some kids bite, some scratch and lash out physically, this behaviour is just a version of that immaturity... surely... maybe... probably... its just so embarrassing and heartbreaking to tell the truth.

Any advice??

OP posts:
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JiltedJohnsJulie · 13/06/2013 17:33

How do you know the oldies at the supermarket were disapproving? Has somebody said something to you or have you developed the ability to read minds? Smile

Can understand why you are upset and I think this is just behaviour she is probably copying of her older brother and you wouldn't get it with a pbf.

This might help or if you want a book try the House of the Tiny Tearaways, your library will probably have a copy Smile

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Thisisanoutrage · 13/06/2013 20:33

DS loves his collection of cars and every time he blows a rasberry I take a car away.

He also says things are 'boring' a lot, which bothers me. He copies it from his 6 year old cousin. I just ignore that one and it fades out, until he sees his cousin again.

He also started 'oh Jesus' (thanks DH) so we gradually changed it to 'oh cheeses' which I quite like Grin

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tumbletumble · 13/06/2013 20:40

I know you've tried it, but I really think ignoring is the way forward. She is too young for normal discipline techniques to be effective, and the problem with 'that upsets mummy' is that she is doing it to get a reaction so you are giving her what she wants.

I know it's frustrating. This too will pass!!

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Lexiesinclair · 13/06/2013 20:47

I agree with Tumbletumble. My 2yo likes to say 'Naughty Mummy' a lot - I just ignore it and he soon gives up if he doesn't get a reaction.
I think that sort of thing is par for the course at this age and it is just a phase. I think at this age they don't fully understand cause and effect so most 'punishments' are useless.

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cantdoalgebra · 13/06/2013 20:47

When she does this, immediately take away her favourite toy, dummy, whatever - anything that she really, really likes. Do it immediately and explain why you are doing it. Do not give it back until an appropriate time has passed. Expect tears.

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zippey · 13/06/2013 21:35

It just seems like normal behaviour to me, her crimes don't appear too bad. To me, I'd find blowing raspberries funny and I'd think about joining in making all sorts of different raspberry noises.

Same with stupid too. She's just learning new words and making new sounds. Peppa pig says "silly mummy" a lot and its not a bad thing to laugh at yourself.

Much of it is about how you choose to react when something happens or is said. I do find humour or distraction changes the mood.

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zippey · 13/06/2013 21:45

It just seems like normal behaviour to me, her crimes don't appear too bad. To me, I'd find blowing raspberries funny and I'd think about joining in making all sorts of different raspberry noises.

Same with stupid too. She's just learning new words and making new sounds. Peppa pig says "silly mummy" a lot and its not a bad thing to laugh at yourself.

Much of it is about how you choose to react when something happens or is said. I do find humour or distraction changes the mood.

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FredFredGeorge · 14/06/2013 20:15

I'm afraid I'd find blowing raspberries funny, indeed I almost certainly blow raspberries to my 2 year old, and may well do it to a random 2 year old I met that I needed to entertain. Surprised it's thought of as bad - it's just interaction when having conversations is really hard work!

The Stupid - does that depend on the context - when I make a mistake or trip over or do something wrong I'll call myself stupid. I wouldn't be surprised if DD used it back to me when I did it again another time. That's distinct from using it to be mean though, even though it would be rude from an adult, it's just a toddler articulating their thoughts and understanding of what I was doing. But then it sounds to me that your idea of manners in a toddler are very different to mine, Ignoring is I'm sure the way to go.

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zippey · 14/06/2013 20:49

I would also add regarding raspberries - that she is two and is learning to say new words and learning different mouth movements and sounds she can make with her mouth. I don't think its a bad thing.

And the word "stupid" like FredFredGeorge said needs to be taken in context. And if it seems like it gets a reaction from you, she might start using it more. I would either ignore, or make up another silly word and make it a game.

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FamiliesShareGerms · 14/06/2013 20:55

I did similar to Thisisanoutrage with DS's wooden trains, and it was very effective with some other behaviour issues (even if we did need very long shelves to put them all up on!)

The raspberries could be a way of expressing frustration - she can't quite work out what she wants to say, but needs to get something out.

The "stupid" could be to provoke a reaction, so best to ignore (I know it's hard)

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