*Vanity* Need Help with Toddler that won't wear non-Summer clothes

Terrible Two Parent | self

[GipperCT]

OK, FreepPeeps! Need emergency help with 26 mo. old boy who does not want to wear any heavy shirts, pants or jackets.

I know there are some sympathetic parents out there, pleez help a fellow freep parent on suggestions.

It's not that he just doesn't like it, it's the stubbornness that goes along. I know, the nanny jokes will ensure, but that's ok. He makes himself sick crying and they eyes and nose run all over the place like his jacket or pants are holy water to a vampire ;-) when we try to get him used to these things for a while. He'll go on for 20 minutes like that shaking and crying.

Anyway, any assistance is appreciated.

[martin_fierro]

My solution involves duct tape.

But that's probably wrong.

[Roses0508]

You have my entire sympathy. I went through a couple of similar issues with my children. With my daughter it was coat and hats in the winter. My son had a bedtime issue. I know about the running eyes and running nose and heartbreaking cries, but you just have to outlast them. As soon as they understand that they cannot manipulate you, the tears and crying stop. Sounds easy - NOT. The first 4 or 5 times are difficult, but you have to just have to steel yourself and do it. Tell him "you have to wear hat and coat because it is cold" and then put on the hat and coat and walk away ignoring the uproar. Believe me, it works. Once you've worked through one issue like this, they are less likely to try it on you again.

[Khepera]

Let him go out in the cold until he gets cold enough to want his warm clothes. Tell him no when he asks for them but then relent when he begs.

[GipperCT]

Tried that (end sarcasm)

[HitmanLV]

Sounds like the youngster has the right idea.

Signed - Vinnie in Las Vegas

[NormB]

Make sure he understands why you are punishing him and do the following.

1. Place child over knee.
2. Using hand or small stick strike childs rear.
3. Repeat if neccessary.

If you need to do this more than three times you aren't using enough force.

[Rebelbase]

I can't imagine people of my parent's generation asking such a question. Busting fanny is a great parenting tool.

[najida]

I agree with you.

Let him be cold first, then ask for warmer stuff.

[Rebelbase]

Yep. Spare the rod, spoil the child.

[Rebelbase]

"Let him be cold first, then ask for warmer stuff."

And just exactly how are you going to explain that to the cops when the neighbor's call you in for child abuse?

[GipperCT]

Hi Rebelbase. Obviously, the slaps have been exhausted on various parts of the body (my parents are depression era folks and I got my share of whacks, believe me).

Short of drawing blood, it just ain't workin so far and he'll go on for 40 minutes straight like this.

[Tijeras_Slim]

Pack him off to McMurdo Sound Daycare.

[Aggie Mama]

OMG, I've been going through this same scenario with my 27 month old for the past 2 days! He had a full-fledged melt-down this morning for 40 minutes....screaming at the top of his poor little lungs. LOL =)

I finally opted to have him step outside in his short-sleeve t-shirt and shorts. After about 5 minutes, he came back inside and said, "It's cold!" =)

After that, I put a choice of 3 different long sleeve t-shirts and sweatpants and let him choose.

Aren't 2 yr old's fun?

[Rebelbase]

Take him outside and let him watch you pick a switch, telling him the whole time you're gonna whack his butt with it.

Then apply routinely until he gets the message. You want it done in 40 minutes. Might take 4 days. You can give up and let the kid run your life or you can sacrifice your time for the sake of training the kid.

The choice is yours.

[thoughtomator]

Spank. Teaches discipline as well as gaining cooperation.

[lorris]

My kids are 11 and just about 10 now. But my daughter hated clothes as well. Even to this day, she won't wear turtlenecks or button-down shirts - too constricting. Anyway, she wasn't quite as tough on me as your little one is on you.

But I got so sick of the struggle that when it was cold outside, I would bring her out there with her T-shirt on (just what she wanted to wear). I would bring a sweatshirt and coat with us. We'd stay outside for about 10-15 minutes and she'd be begging to either go inside or to put something on. Now that I think about it, it worked quite well. I only did it on days we didn't have to rush off somewhere. And it got easier.

Good luck.

[linn37]

Put the clothes on him and ignore the tantrum. It will take all of about 30 minutes for him to figure it out.

Then see post one about the duct tape if it does'nt work.

I also noticed theres some suggestions of spanking. In my opinion unless they are doing something harmful spanking is not the answer.

My credentials ....mom of four.

[politicket]

He'll go on for 20 minutes like that shaking and crying.

Let him go on for 4-5 hours until he realizes that he is not the one in charge. Wear earplugs if you have to...

[John O]

I recommend the book "To train up a child" by Michael and Debi Pearl. You can get it from No Greater Joy Ministries at www.NoGreaterJoy.org