Toddlers Destroying Things

Sounds like my boys 👍

I think it's normal. But a lot of redirecting is needed. My son does that sometimes... Like if your about to redirect him, he'll toss said item onto the floor 🤷🏻‍♀️🤦🏻‍♀️

Today my son went to the zoo. The lamb didn't want to eat the pellet he was trying to feed it so my son threw it in the trash instead of offering it to another lamb 🤦🏻‍♀️

Its happening doesn't mean it's normal.
Counselling starts from here, We are wrong here that we say he is just toddler so he can do anything, we fear if we stop him he will be more fussy and clingy, My cousin's toddler was same , everyone used to say her to stop him from this behaviour she didn't instead she cut off from those people. Later he did same thing with her young sister and she literally stayed in hospital for 3-4 days for severe head injury as he hit the ball on her head n he thinks its freaking Normal!

Kids aren’t born knowing how to play…he is learning how to play and for him it’s fun to knock things off! Could you try a more open ended toy?

Preschool teacher here, I worked with children 18 months to six years old for over 12 years.

Not only is this developmentally appropriate, it is some thing we look for around the age of 2 to 3. It’s an important milestone because it shows that children are trying to understand how things work. Specifically we look out for children taking things apart, emptying containers, and making messes. If they don’t do these things, it can be a potential red flag about their development.

Don’t get me wrong, I know it can be so triggering, but it is an important part of their development and learning process. We also use this phase as an opportunity to teach children about cleaning up and caring for their materials.

Here is an article about it that details the importance and reading behind “destructive plate” or “unbuilding”: https://inspirationlaboratories.com/importance-of-destructive-play/

And here is another article from Lovevery that includes some ways on how to embrace it: https://lovevery.com/community/blog/child-development/ways-to-embrace-your-toddlers-love-of-destructive-play/

totally normal! If redirection doesn’t work, then find them opportunities where they can do destruction/unbuilding. Finding the “yes, you can destroy/unbuild this”.

For example, stacking towers of blocks and letting them destroy them, have them rip up junk mail, activities that involve dumping and scooping, let them help in the kitchen by mashing and squishing ingredients, throwing laundry into a hamper, one of my favorites, let them help you clean the floor or bathtub by spilling soapy water and spreading it around with sponges and brushes.

Also, I found this Reddit thread, where a dad posts some toys that are specifically designed for unbuilding: https://www.reddit.com/r/Parenting/s/hu1D1953Ir

Boys boys boys lool
My sons the same. I call it destructo mode 😂 Its forsure so triggering. Specially growing up as a very “well behaved kid”.
Usually when he goes destructo mode I try and contain to his play room or try and engage with him. Tight hugs and some wrestling is always a good way to get energy out. Water it also great if he can regulate and not throw it everywhere (have to stop 10 minutes in usually) 😂😴

Yep sounds like my kiddo, just likes to watch the world burn 😂😂❤️‍🔥

Oh yes, destructive and unbuilding are developmentally appreciate play schemas for that age group. Not just boys being boys, girls do this too!
We make cleaning up a game in my class & home to make the mess more manageable.

Thank you all for your input and insights and experiences! Yes I’m glad to see that he’s learning how to play, and I can also see this as a teaching opportunity. Saying “let’s keep our hands down” or “toys down” instead of “DONT THROW.” or saying “let’s be gentle with our things.” Practicing safety while playing. I also learned that he has strong proprioception needs and is constantly needing to crash into things or being flung around. Good thing we’re going to the trampoline park tomorrow so he can get all that energy out 😅

I appreciate you and the articles you attached ❤️❤️

Typical boy

girls do it too, it just looks very different. I see girls do this by “destroying“ art supplies or tearing books, or drawing on things they shouldn’t. Have you ever seen a little girl get into make up and just make a giant mess? Or cut their hair/clothes with scissors? That is the same schema, it just looks different.

Make sure you get on top of it in the next few years because when my daughter was 6 she was still having friends over who would destroy all her brand new toys and dump out all our bathroom supplies in the bath and stuff like that. Also bullying her at her birthday party.
At the moment it might be normal but it won't be acceptable for too much longer

of course. Just because it’s normal and expected doesn’t mean we can’t show them an appropriate outlet for said behavior (toys that are meant to be taken apart) and boundaries.