I have hit my limit and never thought I would say this.

I cannot stand the not listening anymore. It is all day every day, for everything, with no breaks until my son is asleep. Every single thing is a fight. Everything. I do all of the recommended methods, my background is in child development GD it 😭

Assume that I’ve given time warnings at least twice before all of the following and prepped him with “we’re going to do xyz in x amount of time”:

“We need to get ready for the day. Let’s go potty.” Running away or ignoring me and then full screaming tantrum when I walk him to the restroom.

“I need to put your rash cream on.” Again, yelling, saying “ow” (when I’m not even touching him and know he’s not actually in pain), and rolling away.

“It’s time to eat breakfast.” Getting up from his chair every minute, playing with his food, refusing to eat in general, etc.

“We need to put your clothes on.” Running, yelling, biting, hitting.

“Stop xyz.” Of course he continues.

Spilling his milk/water, throwing food, hitting other kids. WTF IS GOING ON?? He used to listen and be sweet 😭😭 We used to have fun most days.

Everything is a fight!! I’ve tried visual timers, schedules, routines, getting down on his level, physical contact while talking, choices, and more. Lately it’s getting harder and harder to remain calm all day and I end up raising my voice more often than not. I raised my voice at him once before the age of two and now it’s becoming common. I HATE IT. I usually walk away before I get to that point but sometimes we just have to do things and I don’t have time to try again in a few minutes!! I genuinely do not know what to do. I knew that 2 was a “terrible” age but is this seriously normal?? We can’t do anything without him getting upset. Literally anything. Not even wiping food off of his hands. As I type this, I hear him from the other room screaming “no” about putting his pajamas on. I want to cry. I’m so overwhelmed.

On top of this, he’s suddenly taking an hour to go to sleep. He’ll be about to fall asleep and then he forces himself awake, cries till he’s standing up (we rock him to sleep), and the whole cycle starts over again. The sleep thing doesn’t bother me so much but 12 hours a day of being yelled at, hit, etc. is really wearing on me.

We get out almost every day and play without other kids. He does minimal screen time, usually under 30 minutes a day. I’m pregnant and ill because of it, so occasionally we’ll watch a movie.

How are y’all getting more cooperation?? Or how are y’all coping??