Toddlers: Terrible Twos

Parental Survival

Being two years old is frustrating.  Parents' frustration is caused by the same factors as the toddlers.  This time is filled with upheaval.  The discovery of self is intriguing and fun for the toddler, but can be scary as well.  Parents are frustrated by toddler's unsuccessful attempts far more than toddler is. 

Independence is coveted, but brings growing pains to all involved.  Natural parenting instincts impair the parent's ability to let go enough to let toddler find out consequences for himself.  Separation anxiety may surface as toddler takes his first steps away from home.  Security becomes more than a blanket, and schedules now include activities away from home.

Learn how to survive the Terrible Twos by learning how to communicate effectively, understanding your toddlers capabilities and maintaining some semblance of peace in what can be a tantrum-laden time.  Take heart in the success stories of parents who will attest: "Terrible Twos are survivable."

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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.

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