Failing

No true advise except your doing a great job and yes it's just a phase! My 15mth old is the same, he currently doesn't sleep, cries all night and then is awake from 5.30am no matter what I do or try! Woukd your little one like a busy board?? You could make one yourself or buy them. Made up of all things like switches/locks etc they can 'fiddle' with. Not any help at all except hang in there mama, fingers crossed there's an end soon xx

This sounds very much like my little boy! He is not interested in toys, he just wants random items from around the house (most of which are not appropriate - sharp stuff, glass stuff, etc.) and cries if I won't give them to him. He loves anything that opens and closes and just wants to do this all day. He's pretty much only content if he is opening cupboards and pulling everything out...which is okay sometimes...but not all day everyday. He's very difficult to keep content, and I try to take him out as much as possible because of this. I'm hoping it's just a phase too!

@Caitlin thank you for sharing, it sounds the exact same. Screaming when I won’t let him get the knives out of the knife drawer, or play with my grandmas china 😭

@Carla he has one, but sadly because it doesn’t actually turn the lights on or off… he just walks away from it. It’s so frustrating. Oh well. I’ll just wait it out! Thank you x

I hear you mama. As a former nursery nurse I KNOW this is a phase, but being in the middle of it means that information is really no comfort. I feel like my LO hates and is bored of me and being in our home, his toys. I have to get him off sofas constantly....I have even worried about his development because of how he is just throwing toys. HV may reassure you? They did me. I will say the saving grace is when we're out.....anywhere that is not home....he's much happier. Granted, it can be exhausting to always be taking him out, and circumstances may prevent you, but I find it makes life easier. I take him to the local library....he spends 30 seconds looking at a book and the rest crawling round, walk him to the shops, take him to slimming group even, swimming. It's very easy to feel alienated....do you have friends who are parents and you can have coffee dates? Also, if he loves light switches try making that work for you with fidget boards? Like all things this will end my lovely. You're doing great. X

@Gina thanks so much for sharing that x

First of all your not failing, motherhood is so dynamic and demanding just like the babies. I have felt the same way you've mentioned many times "disconnected" or just overwhelmed and overstimulated. It's a phase that fluctuates. I find getting out the house so helpful as it takes the pressure away from me trying to entrain and keep baby safely occupied. Natural stimulation is much easier so soft play, childrens centre play groups, Ikea (she loves roaming around the children's area), Library groups, play dates, free museums, having lunch outside e.g Westfield, going to leggo shop, invite a friend / family over to get others involved. All these things keep them busy without you having to run around in circles. Sometimes by the time we get home she's fallen asleep in her buggy which gives me a chance to nap too.

Also at this age they are asserting themselves and trying to be independent e.g wanting to unscrew lids, use light switches, they see us doing it and they want that power too! It's frustrating but natural. Letting him explore household things safely might help like giving him a pot and spoon, random plastic containers, they love the things that aren't conventional toys 😉 Anyways, Just remember to be kind and gentle to yourself and give yourself grace. Your doing the most important role you could ever do and theirs no handbook to go with it 💖💜💖

@Ray thanks Ray, that’s really helpful and kind. We live VERY remotely so there isn’t a lot going on out here and we have zero family. But I will definitely try to get him out more. Went to a toddler class yesterday and it was nice and a good outing xx

Ohh sorry to hear family aren't around it's good the toddler class helped. Maybe try and create your own little support hub by reaching out to those here an the app that are near you for play dates. I've made a friend that way and we have monthly play dates which is a relief. Also if you live remotely does this mean your near nature? Fields and woods or farms? If so children's love the outdoors, it doesn't have to be complicated. A crawl or toddler around in nature would be enough to stimulate the curious little mind. Also maybe YouTube / Google Montessori play activities for toddlers. I need to do this too as my girl is getting a bit frustrated lately 🤭 Sending you lots of love & support! You got this mama 💕