Hello Iv not posted in a while but I feel so out of my depth

My daughter is 2 years old and I feel a little overwhelmed. Everyone keeps saying oh the terrible 2's. Really can anyone elaborate? She will bite me pinch me slap me I see this is an outlet for her not getting her own way if I tell her no or take something from her she shouldnt be playing with. Iv tried giving her a very firm NO everytime she does it but she just laughs at me

Also people keep saying different things like when will you get her a bed (shes still in cot) get her off a bottle (she gets abottle to go down with at night) Then people say no she doesnt need to be off a bottle yet shes only 2 etc.

Also her appetite seems to have really gone down hill these past few weeks but shes showing no signs of being unwell shes happy as larry (when shes not having a tantrum)

sorry If this doesnt make alot of sense I just feel like what is it I should be doing shes happy in her cot its got a really good mattress and she still got plenty room in it

what are you guys doing with your 2 year olds?

any advice welcome xx

Hi don't worry about what others think it's what works for you and your little girl.

My daughter is 19 months so not far behind and she still has her bed time bottle and i've no intention on stopping it yet, though she has it downstairs before bed and not in bed like she used to so it's more of a step down than a complete stop.

She is still in her cot, yes it is a cot bed, but I still have it as a cot and she'll have it like that till I think she's ready to sleep through without rolling out, and from what i've read the longer they stay in a cot the better.

And shock horror no I haven't taken that dummy off her yet, when she's ready to give it up she will, but while she's going through teething and it's still a comfort to her to get to sleep she can keep it. She doesn't have it during most of the day and she'll give it up when she doesn't want it.

Tell everyone to mind their own, same way you probably had to when you choose a different, feeding method, sleeping routine, etc etc.

You're doing fine x x

My advice:

- be consistent in your response. If she clearly is not allowed something, then don't let her have it. Consistency is the key, as mixed signal will just escalate things

- ignore other people. If you think she is happy in her cot/getting a bottle at the moment then leave them. If you think maybe it might be time to move up or away from things, then go for it.

- Take a deep breath. Everyone has days or moments where they think 'My God, what on Earth am I doing wrong!', but you're not. Your LO is finding her feet as a little person, and as long as you are happy that you are giving clear guidance and consistent rules, then she will come around.

- Appetite wise, could you try a few new things - maybe a few new flavours or helpign you to cook will get her interested in food again? Earl's always been a big eater so not a problem I've ever had I'm afraid.

not quite two yet but my little monkey is still on formula and am too scared of taking her off as she eats so little, she is still on bottle morning and night and in a cot, im not planning on making any changes till after she is two

My lo has just turned 2, he's in a cot, has a dummy and if he still wanted a bottle he'd have one (he self weaned back in February). You have to do what's right for you. I believe that your lo will let you know when she is ready to drop things. I think a 2 year old is still a baby. It they are having a bOttle at bed time when she is 12 I think you may have a problem!
As for the biting etc I think you need to stand firm and lay out some ground rules. It's the only way they have to release anger etc.
You're a great mummy, focus on the positive things she does not the bad xxxx

Thank you Its a big comfort knowing there are others out there that are doing the same for there lo's. I think you's are right in saying she will let me know when she is ready as she stopped wanting her dummy when she was 1 and a half. she just kept on throwing it away and has never asked for it since. thanks for the responses xxx

Some excellent advise has been given!!

Yep, do what is right for you and your daughter, it's nothing at all to do with anyone else!
My 2 1/2 year old still has dummies, still drinks from a bottle before bed. My eldest son had his dummy (abeit just for bed!) until he was 4. My elder daughter sucked her thumb until she was 7.
They are now perfectly well adjusted young adults!