Taming the Terrible Twos: A Parents' Survival Guide
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by Ann Marie Dwyer Tantrums are a child's number one guaranteed attention seeking behavior. Whether you have friends in your home for a function or you are in a store, these seven simple steps will help you manage those...read more 20 articles Write
by Ann Marie Dwyer You know he heard you. Yet, he is going in the opposite direction. Your two-year-old is ignoring you. But, why?Why is my two-year-old ignoring me?Two-year-olds are discovering their autonomy. Being as...read more 1 articles Write
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Give parents practical tips to ease the stress of moving with toddlers. What should parents look for when deciding if toddlers need corrective shoes? How do you get your toddler to stop pulling the cat's tail and take care of him?
by Tina Hartley A biting toddler can cause crying children, screaming parents, or a horrified, germophobic parent to rush for the alcohol. Why did your child just become the victim of a bite, or just victimize an adu...read more 2 articles Write
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What are Terrible Twos?
In the time lovingly referred to as the "Terrible Twos", your baby will grow into a talking, running, playing, pretending, mimicking personality. Character is developing. New emotions, both good and bad, are felt for the first time. The seeds of right and wrong are sown. Discovery is around every corner, inside every box and under everything. The child's independence is born. Indeed, it is a wondrous time.
Why is it called "terrible"? Experiments often fail the first time. Failure is a difficult emotion even for adults, and especially the adults who witness a child's failure. Parents must separate themselves from their children, allowing them to make mistakes. Each mistake is an opportunity to learn, grow and build character.
Change is hard, even as a child. Before children can adequately express themselves in language which parents understand, they revert to babyish methods to vent their frustrations. Tantrums, whining and mildly aggressive behaviors, like biting and hair pulling, become the expression of emotion. Parents are comforted in the knowledge that this memorable time does come to an end.
Terrible, too, is the parent's loss of a baby. While your child was totally dependent on you, seemingly yesterday, you were the center of his universe. Today, he is a little man. He demands you leave him alone to accomplish tasks. He finds tasks of his own, some tasks to your dismay. Sometimes, accepting your new parental role can be terrible, too. Pun intended.
You can navigate the "terrible twos" with the least amount of turmoil by learning from the parents who have already survived.
by Barbara Whitlock The most common advice for how to prepare your two-year-old for a new baby focuses on "talking to him." I'm going to go against that wave and advise you to say little and do much. Toddlers are too you...read more 5 articles Write
Survey Says...
How long do the Terribles Twos last?
by Trenna Sue Hiler Toddlers are naturally curious. They are capable of finding things to do with no help at all. So if you don't direct the activity or at least point them in the right direction you may find yourself sa...read more 6 articles Write
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Zone ManagerHelium member since Feb 22, 07 Education: Louisiana State Univer... CLE credits |
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From Toddlers to Grandparents to Non-Profits, Zones span the spectrum. Check out my Blogs on my Writer's Portfolio, Ann Marie Talks Money & Ann Marie Goes Green. |
Terrible Twos are survivable.
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