Babysat 2 year old grandson for 1 week now a monster (babies, parents, boys)

[annierobyn]

Hope someone can help. We cared for our 2 year old grandson for 1 week while his parents were on holidays. We have a very close relationship - see each other at least 3x/week. We stayed at his house and followed his schedule as per his Mom's instructions. The parents came home late Sat night and our pride and joy has turned into the devil child. His sleep schedule, eating schedule and playing with others has all turned into disasters. He is crying all the time, ready to have temper tantrums at the drop of a hat (which he did not do). All this is new to us as he has always been a very good kid. What can we do? Is it just "time" until he gets back to normal? His Mom and Dad are fit to be tied and we, as grandparents don't know what to do - go, stay??? HELP

[Woof Woof Woof!]

Well, I would be smiling and packing my bags, kissing everyone on the cheek and heading out the door toward the airport.

Run, grandma, run.

[southdown]

He is punishing his parents for being away. He doesn't mean to, or even know he's doing it - but some part of him has just realised they 'left him' and he's finding a way of letting them know. He was happy without them, and happy with you - but now they're back he's a bit confused and angry at why they went away. He'll get over it!

[raising3boys]

Welcome to the life of a two year old!

It might not have ANYTHING to do with you or the parents.It might be just his new phase and it was just a coincidence that his parents left and you were there. Twos are the most UNPREDICTABLE beings!

You asked if it is just "time" to get him back to normal.. This might be NORMAL until he turns at least 3 or 4! LOL. You will get through this tough tough stage. We are dealing with the twos right now and I swear it is the MOST challenging thing I have ever done. Our older boys were never like this.

I did like what WOOF said... You can always take that advice and come back when your little guy is just a bit older and in control of his emotions.

Good luck and this too shall pass.

[suzie02]

Wow, parents left their 2 yo for a week. That is a lifetime for such a young child.

[pitt_transplant]

Go. He needs to get over it.
I think thats just normal.
Enough tantrums and he will be asleep anyway.

Did you give him food treats or anything like that when you were there?

Kids love to talk. Just ask him why he is mad.

[Movie Lover]

Its called........ You know!

[mlv311]

I think this is a normal reaction for any child who has a change in routine. You followed his routine, but he didn't see his parents for a whole week. It's understandable that he'll be more excitable than usual upon their return. There is nothing else you need to do. He'll get over it.

[annierobyn]

Thank you to all for your responses. He seems to have settled down a bit and I expect it will take a full week to "recover". But I guess it's called the "terrible two's" for a reason. I now know why 52 year olds don't have babies. It's EXHAUSTING!! Good luck to all those grandmas and moms out there. It's the toughest and most rewarding job in the world...

[fjtee]

We recently took our 3-year-old on 3-1/2 week vacation. Boy, did she make us pay for it!! That was way too long of a trip for her. It took her well over a week to settle down afterwards. Children that age often don't accept schedule changes of any sort very easily. But, they get over it. You'll get your usual grandson back soon enough. It was nice of you to have given them a break, by the way. My mom and MIL are great like that, too.