Ashlyn has a severe case of "only child" syndrome. Yes, I realize she's not quite 16 months, but somehow we've managed to spoil her apparently. I think its just too easy to do stuff because she is the only one. She doesn't have to wait very long for me to get her what she wants. She can play with whatever toys or books she wants whenever she wants.
Anyways, she's getting really bossy with dh & I lately. She seems to think she rules the house and sorry, but I'm still the Mom here sweetie! If she thinks she might not be getting what she wants or you don't get it fast enough, she throws herself in the floor and starts crying. Half the time, its not that I'm not planning to give it to her (and maybe I shouldn't give it if she does that) or its just that I don't drop what I'm doing right NOW to get her what she wants.
I think (and so does dh) that we need to work on it now. I mean, if you're old enough to throw yourself in the floor because I said no more movies, you're old enough to learn that I won't put up with that behavior, right? Am I expecting way too much out of her? I don't expect her to behave perfectly, but I don't see anything wrong with teaching her that's not gonna fly in this house.
And what works on toddlers? I know they are all very different. Most times I make her sit on my lap until she calms down. Sometimes its 20 seconds and sometimes its 20 minutes.
Ugh...we just had a bad evening and I need to know that its worth it to stick to my guns... or that I'm being completely rediculous trying to teach my "baby" to not throw temper tantrums.

I am thinking it is more to do with her age and development, it is all part of her process of growing and learning but also a very good time for you and your husband to step in and teach her that throwing tantrums are not the way to get her way or attention!

I suggest walking away when she does that and give it NO attention what so ever. And of course don't give her whatever it is she's throwing a fit over. Once the fit has completely stopped I'd then ask her "would you like ___?". This is the method I use at this age and mine have figured out quickly that fit throwing does not get them anything or anywhere! HTH

Exactly what Ashlee said! :)

thanks. I do a lot of ignoring, but felt kinda guilty about it...like I needed to do more to curb it. She's been doing better, but yesterday was just a rough day!

It's not only worth it, but what choice do you have? [hug] Your little girl needs to know that she is not in charge; Dad and Mom are. This is not only for your sanity, but also for her good. If she's demanding now, it will not get any better as she gets older. It will only get worse with bigger demands and bigger demonstrations if she doesn't get what she wants. It seems to me that a tantrum is a form of manipulation. Gotta curb that now.

P.S. I wouldn't give her anything she whines for or throws a tantrum over.