Mostly I Don't React To My Anger But My 18 Month Old Won't Listen

by Anonymous

I have an eighteen months old kid, and of course he never listens. I get angry so fast, I don't do anything.

I breathe and do all that, I just put him in bed for 3 minutes as a timeout. But my problem is I get angry too fast and too easy. I don't know why. I never yell--well, sometimes I do, but when I am alone.

When I am angry with anyone I yell when I am alone. I am always afraid that I may hurt someone's feelings. And the thing is when I am angry I feel my heart racing, heat all over my body. I get so tense. I just want it to stop.

Response from Dr. DeFoore

Hello, and thanks for telling your story here. I really want to help you with your anger...for you, and for your 18 month old child. Follow all of the recommendations on this FAQ page, and that should help you better manage your anger.

By the way, please read this information about your child's basic needs. You said, "he never listens." He's 18 months old, and his needs are mostly non-verbal, and your focus needs to be on meeting those needs, more than worrying about him not listening to what you say. He's not old enough to respond to the verbal part yet.

Also read this page on nonverbal communication to better guide and parent your child.

I hope you will follow my recommendations, for yourself and your precious little boy.

My very best to you,

Dr. DeFoore

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