ARGH! Grumpy after nap

This has been the longest and most challenging phase for DS - it's been going for months and months. He has one nap a day, after lunch and sleeps 1-2 hours. Every time he wakes up he is GRUMPY and tantrummy. Inconsolable screaming and crying. I hate to listen to it, it's upsetting.

Sometimes if I offer him a 'top shelf' snack i.e. chippies he'll be ok. But that's not a habit I want to encourage. Sometimes if I get him straight in the car, he'll be ok too but often grumpy at our destination, so sometimes not worth it. TV or DVD is no remedy. Nor is getting out favourite toys/play dough type distractions.

I'm presently in another room, pretending to ignore him and we're 30 minutes in. I feel like a bad parent but nothing I can do will make him stop and me consoling him makes him angry - usually such a loving little boy. I also need to put space between us as it can frustrate and anger me.

He will calm down soon (max time has only ever been an hour) but it's so hard to deal with. Ideas? Similar experiences? Tell me it will go away real soon?!!

I've had one of those who did it from very young. I learned that she needed a cuddle, drink and something to eat (sandwich or fruit is fine though, not a special snack otherwise that's going to become a nasty habit) before anything else. I would suggest tucking him into bed with a book and hope he enjoys that as something to do when he wakes, but that's probably a long shot. Otherwise greeting him with a drink and a cuddle, I think is okay. Another thing that works at times is leaving the bedroom door shut while they sleep, then they don't call out until properly awake.

Kazzle wrote: Cory does this, and i find if i just sit and cuddle with him for about 10mins he just suddenly becomes all smiles and is happy again

My big girl is the same

yes, this is my boy, he has been like it forever. I make sure i give him his bowl of afternoon tea as soon as he wakes and we sit and watch a handy manny episode and then if he's still grumpy i suggest something fun like swing or push him in his car.

DD does this often. I ply her with food drinks etc and sometimes by, cuddles, watching telly or if really bad we just go for a walk. I suspect they grow out of it.

Thanks people... good to know I'm not alone. Will be more persistent with cuddles, even when he pushes me away.