Negativity and hating bath - related?

[Kirst]

Hi all. I was hoping that someone with older kids might be able to shed some light on my DDs current behaviour, becasue it has us stumped.

She is 22 months old, going on 13 I think! She is going through the negative stage - "no!" to everything! I don't have a problem with that, I know that it's a stage, and I understand where it's coming from.

The issue I have is that after 22 months of loving the bath and water, and bathtime in general, she is literally SCREAMING around that time of night. Not wanting to go in the bath, and not wanting to brush her teeth. Wanting to sit on the potty, and then not wanting to........

Is this just her felxing her desicion-making abilities, and something that she will grow out of, or do you think that there is an underlying problem?

I myself think that she's flexing, but I guess I just want to know if there are any other opinions out there.

[natasha]

I really dont have any advice for you im afraid, i just wanted to let you know you are not alone!:hugs:

DD who is 20 months is going through a stage similiar to this. Everything is no, even when i know its something she wants.
She will say 'No, then smile and take it, and then scream and scowl again!:confused: Like she wants to be naughty, but she slips up briefly and is nice, and then she comes back all guns blazing!

Its such a horrible stage! I really dont like her behaviour at the moment, DH just says he doesn't like HER at the moment!:laughing:
Its really hard when she wants something, so u go to give it to her and she screams and quickly changes her mind, so u go to put it away and then we get the tantrums because we'v put it away!:confused:

Its definatly normal so dont worry! Im praying its over soon though! I want my little pleasant girl back!!

(oh and yep, she now hates stuff she once loved)!!

[Kirst]

THANK YOU SOOOOO MUCH Nasha!!!

:laughing: :laughing:

I just had a good laugh, as it it SO the same here.

Thank you letting me know that all is normal. I guess as parents that's all we need sometimes.

Ta! And good luck over the next few months.......:D :D

[Little Gorilla]

my bub is 20 months....he is exactly the same as yours....the reason I think it is....bath time leads to brushing teeth, bushing teeth leads to putting pjs on, putting pjs on leds to mummy making his bottle.....which inevitibly leads to bedtime...which he doesn't like at all.

he says "no" and shakes his head (almost to the point that it looks like it will fall off!!:rolleyes: ).

obviously must just be that age.

[Can I?]

This is the age when offering choices is really great I think. I know it doesn't always work, but sometimes it just does the trick. Maybe ask "Bath or shower tonight?" or "Brush teeth or bath first?"

Make whatever it is so fun that they can't help but join in. Sing, clap, dance, tickle, be silly - it can really take the pressure out of the situation. Pretend to be an animal, or a train, or play shops whatever your child loves. My son wouldn't wear pyjamas for about 6 months, but he would wear a special "diving suit" and would dive off the couch once he was dressed into the "deep blue sea" (our blue carpet), then would swim quite happily off to bed. ;)

If you are really worried about your child's behaviour for any reason, talk to someone about it - your child health nurse, your GP etc - your instincts about your child will be right. Otherwise - good luck - toddlers are a great challenge, but a whole lot of fun!!