out of control 2 yr old!!!

[shaydj1320]

My 2 yr old is very smart! I dont know what to do about his behavior anymore. He doesnt listen to anything I or his father tells him to do. He unlocks the front and back doors and just takes off whenever he feels like it. He is the youngest of 3 and is very mean to his older brother and sister. He takes what he wants when he wants it...I feel like his name is "no". He gets into the icebox, he climbs on counters and the stove and tables. He climbs on the back of the couch and jumps off even after hitting the floor a few times it hasnt stopped him. When we ride in the car he WILL NOT stay in his car seat, I have bought every kind of carseat for him to try and stop him from getting out but he always does. Not one time since he was 12 months old has he rode in his seat the whole time without climbing out. I have tried time out and being consistant with him and its like I am fighting a loosing battle...My other 2 children were never like this! He is constantly getting into stuff that he knows he is going to get in trouble for. He hits and kicks and throws fits and just today he threw a snow globe at me after me telling him no and busted it all over the floor. I am at my wits end with him and I dont know what to do...Please help

[allmymarbles]

You were spoiled by having two "easy" children. Then you got a third to drive you nuts. Welcome to motherhood. The same thing happened to me. Eventually my "difficult' child turned out to be a real winner - funny, adventurous, and very clever - but a trial to me (and her teachers) in her early years.

[Kevin Kennedy, Ph.D.]

It's clear your son's behavior is very difficult. But all you can do, really, is manage it in a sysematic way. Perhaps you already are. But I want to suggest that you rely on the approach detailed in Lynn Clark's book SOS Help for Parents (see www.sosprograms.com). Re: his wandering outside by unlocking the door, you'll have to devise a more secure locking system  because this behavior poses too great a risk of harm if he is able to leave the house. It goes without saying that very careful supervision is a must - i.e., 'eyeball' supervision at all times.