helping a friend

So a childhood friend of mine is having tantrum issues with her almost 2 yr old son and I thought I would share this with everyone.

Her:
My son has been having horrific temper tantrums. He screams at the top of his lungs and turns bright red over anything and everything. He has been very violent, hitting himself in the face and banging his head so hard off if the floor and furniture that I'm worried he'll knock himself out. I can't take him out anywhere. He will be 2 at the end of Feb and all of his other development seems normal. He speaks very well for such a small little guy. He does seem a bit clumsy and his physical development was a few weeks slower than what the books said it should be. When he's in a good mood he's affectionate and loves to be around people.
When I look online it's just so much that could cause these problems from food allergies to actual mental disorders. It's pretty concerning.

My reply:
lol well sounds a lot like terrible two on the high side. There has been a lot of talk lately about taking a different approach to dealing with tantrums than the traditional just leave them be. And I would say this sounds like a case I would suggest this too. Instead of allowing him to hurt himself you get him in a tight hug hold and wait it out. Talking soothingly to him say you still love him and understand he is frustrated. Now this may seem extreme but you may have to use your whole body to cover his legs and keep him close. It will take some power as you and I both know little boys who are in these tantrums exert a lot of strength.
Tantrums are all about him learning his boundaries and dealing with frustration. The biggest thing is to get him though safe and than talk about why it happens. He may not have the words to tell you so you may have to give him some to use. Ask questions that he can answer yes or no and then dig from there. Always remember to repeat back to him what he tells you so he knows you understand what he is telling you and can correct.
One thing on the food allergy side of things I would really give a try is cut out red food dyes. This has been know to cause a lot of issues with young children. No juice with the dyes or any other foods. Give it a try for 2 weeks and if no change that is not it.
I would not rely too much on what you read online as you are not an expert and there is way too much info out there for you to decide correctly what is really going on. If what I suggested has not helped within 2-4 weeks I suggest talking to your doctor.
I find now a days everyone is looking for the answer online and children are being diagnosed with things with out looking at all aspects. Also try to keep a bit of a diary on when this tantrum happen, what has gone on, foods eaten, who it is with, places and such. May help you see pattern.

Lana's Birthday

SO tomorrow is Lana's 1st birthday...I am going to her party with the family.  I can hardly believe she is 1 yr old already. Just seems like yesterday ash I started with her at 5 months...

She is doing perfetly and better in some areas. In Russian you teach your children to use potty at a very early age. Lana no longer poos in her diaper. She can tell us when she has to go and waits til she in on potty to go. Such a smart girl.

She is also now cruising and using a walk to do so...pretty impressive.

Happy Hump day

Well today is one of the only days we do not have a program to attend. L was very talkative today. and ful of giggles and smiles. She is really coming along with walking with walker. It still gets away a little bit but she is getting it. 
  This child loves her books. Spent most of our playtime going threw her books. Mama got her a new one yesterday and L loves it.

Tomorrow we are skipping Singable songs to attend a Halloween program at My Gym. It has been awhile since we have been there I am sure she will love it. Plus she gets to dress up. Going to be a warmer day so very little clothes under. Than once we get home Grandpa comes to visit.

At 11.5 months and she is still only got  2 teeth. On the plus side to this her teeth should be strong.

I believe she is ready for more table food but Mom is not so sure. Today for morning snack L had bread with cream cheese... she loved it and gobbled it up.  I guess if L had more teeth mom would feel better about it but L is ready. She would rather pick up and feed self than me feeding her mashed crap.

Tuesday Oct. 23rd

Wow today is my puppy Cloud's 11th month birthday...too bad the breed doesn't really mature till 2 years...

So L and I went to the Babies in Playland in the am and She was so tired on the way home for lunch. I hate it but I had to keep waking her up on the drive home. Today L went to bed early. Which is ok as Mom is finding it hard to get L to bed at night.  

Tomorrow we have no pans but can go to a group in the Am if she is up to it...

I made her some food today at the request of Mom... although I think she is ready for more solid foods.

In two weeks L will be 1 yr old... still have to get gift

Start of my blog as a nanny

So everyone keeps telling me I need to write a book about my Nanny life. Instead I have decided to blog it. 

I have worked with kids for over 20 years now in many areas...nanny, babysitter, home day care provider, summer playground leader and parent helper. This is what I am on this earth to do. It comes nartural to me and I can not see myself doing anything different.  I do owrk part time as a bartender which I love as well but completley different from the joys of working with Children.

I currently work with a 11.5 month old girl. She is a doll and I love my time with her. Her parents are younger than me and look to me for suggestions. I have been with her since she was 4.5 months old. We have grown to love each other unbelievably.  When I am not with her I think about her and how she is doing. 

As of tomorrow I wil start to tel you more about how our days go and the things we learn together. Please feel free to ask me child related questions. I love to share my knowledge.