What do you do when...

[Boobycino]

bub is super sooky and your super irritated!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I feel like a terrible parent right now because Jasper's squawking and whining and throwing himself at me and at the floor crying and I just cant stand him. I feel just terrible, but he's driving me completely up the wall.

He's been teething for several days. In true Jasper-style one tooth at a time just isn't enough, so he had two teeth cut the skin this week. He's been off food and on the boob... and I'm tired!!!

I feel like yelling "leave me alone!!!!!" I know the poor mite is in pain, but I'm sick of being grabbed, hit, head butted and bitten. I'm just really really sick of bubby. I feel just awful - but I'm at a level of irritation where I'm thinking I may need to put him in his cot with some toys and walk away (though he'll scream his head off) and have a shower or something, cos I'm feel like I'm going to smack him.

What do you do?!?!?! I'm trying to think calm happy thoughts, but He's driving me completely up the wall!

[florence]

Oh I feel your pain
You need to remove bub from your personal area for a while and take a break.
I put DD in the cot with some toys and go out into the yard for a little bit or have a shower.
You know he will scream but it's best he does this then you flipping your wig at him.
Sorry, it's all I can think of.
Good luck

[3'llhavetodo]

I know this might be stating the obvious but have you tried a cold teething ring, Bonjella or Panadol?
Taking time out when you are at breaking point is a great idea, I do it from time to time with DS.
Also maybe try distracting him with fun activities??

[em1984]

yep chuck him in the cot with some toys, some exciting toy maybe even something from the kitchen (that is safe obviously) and walk away for a bit. I do this when I'm feeling like you are right now. I have his window open so he can see outside, usually put a bag of toys in there (so he gets the excitement of hunting throught the bag as well) and go and have a breather. Its a very yucky feeling, but your only human and you cant control how you feel.

[Boobycino]

I did a bad thing . I ignored bub and he stopped crying and went played on his own so I stopped paying attention to him and just to the computer and next thing i hear is a massive crash and bub screaming. He pulled an empty wooden bookshelf down on top of himself.

He's alright, he cut his lip and he cried and cried, he's now in my lap having a cuddle.

Gave us both a horrible horrible fright.

I'm not cross with him anymore though.... nothing like blind panic when I lifted the shelf off him to bring up motherly love.

I think I'm too relieved to be angry.

Still, suggestions would be great, it wont be the last time he'll drive me up the wall I'm sure and he can just pull a bookshelf down each time.

[made2bAmummy]

what about going for a drive, some babies love this, and you can listen to some music while you drive?
Or how about a DVD of teletubbies or night garden, my DD started liking this around that age and it was just the break I needed when I was desperate.
Or set up a little paddle pool with water outside and cups and things to splash around with, for his distraction.
Or just give him a bath, if he likes that, just to get some quiet. There is no harm in doing an hour-long bath in the middle of the day just for play time, my DD loved it.

[Seacretsquirrel]

Yep I get the same on occasion -I think most parents do at some stage and popping him in his cot or in a playpen with some toys (so you know he is safe (and can't get to the bookcase) and go have a shower or sit and read a book for 5 mins won't do him any harm and is a far better option than you getting cross with him.

Another thing that works gret in this house is getting DH to have a shower with the kids - it works 2 fold DH and the kids get clean and relaxed and I get a much needed break (though this is a bit hard when he is away which is when I revert back to plan A (quiet time in thier rooms)

[Cordelia]

ohhh this isn't going to make it any better but I'm so rapt that someone else experiences this with teething!!

firstly..... drugs are there for a reason. And whilst I don't advocate using them all the time, teething is a perfect reason to get out the panadol.

next - doesn't matter that he's teething. you should not tolerate kicking, headbutting and biting - he should go straight to time out for that. that is not not not not nice on you.

and lastly, we have activities that I only bring out in dire situations. maybe you just need some awesome ideas to bring out when he's at his worst to distract him. Playdoh, playing with coloured rice and containers, paddling pool, go to the zoo (we are members and I will head out here for 30 minutes at closing time to distract DD sometimes), cooking, cubby houses, bubbles, dressups, cutting paper, go for a walk to the park, ring dad and beg and cry he comes home

I knwo it's hard, but try to remember that he's only behaving that way because he feels really really crappy..... and i hope the teeth come up soon :P I am so happy DD has only got 1 2 yr old molar to arrive. HALLELUJAH

ETA - sorry i just realised your child is only a year old!!!! oh well - hopefully my help will be a good help in years to come. (either that, or he gets hsi teeth REALLY quickly and you're not bothered for too long!!)

[Teegzie]

I've had to give myself time away from DD when I just reach my wits end with her. I used to put her in her cot with some toys and a cup of water (she works up a sweat screaming and might need rehydrating ) and would just walk away. Now that she is in a big bed I just put her in her room (again with toys and a cup of water) and shut the door. There is nothing in her room that she can pull on top of herself or hurt herself on so I know it's safe to leave her there alone.

The best thing I found while having my alone time (with DD screaming in the background) was to start of with something ritualistic. I would always make myself a hot chocolate. It required attention and the process of getting a mug, chocolate, milk, putting the kettle on etc would give me time to calm down, stop and breath.
I don't return to DD until I have drunk my hot chocolate either. I would go in the yard, or read a book on the couch. Even if DD has settled down I like to make sure I have too and by waiting until I've had my drink I've usually distracted myself and relaxed a lot.
Even if DD is still screaming after I've finished my drink, I'm usually calm enough to face her again and we both feel better with a cuddle.

[TripleTime]

First sign of teething, i pull out the panadole. Makes managing 3 teething kids much easier.

If they really get to much, everyone is put in their cots with toys & go outside with a cold drink & sit for 5. Than tackle the loudest first.