Mamapedia City Voices highlights the inside scoop on your city by selected writers, from up-and-coming mom bloggers to well-known mom experts.
Don't blame the Two-year old
They say that the age of 2 is terrible. I’m thinking that the age of 34 isn’t so hot either, but I am beginning to see the reasoning behind the terribleness of two and it really isn’t the two-year old’s fault. Will is currently 20 months old and is trying with all of his mighty might to talk to us. There is a great deal of pressure and he tries really really hard — talking, toilet training —understanding that you sit on it, not put your hands in it… Your toys, the Bluedog’s toys, only put the fake keys in your mouth. If I had to do and not do all of these things I’d be stressed out and frustrated too… which seems to lead to melt-downs and breaking things (much like someone else I know).
Last week – - upon being told not to play with the propane for our outdoor grill, he turned and broke a flower pot — threw it to the ground with massive angst… I said “No!” and knelt down to pick up the pieces while he turned and threw 3 more pots—shattering on the patio… he laughed.
This morning he was so tired… didn’t want to wake up, but I made him get out of bed.. Growing is exhausting, you know. Yawning we went into the kitchen, I opened the pantry for the cereal and turned my back to reach for his bowl when - CRASH, down came the Oreos that were haphazardly placed on a Will-can-reach-shelf… “No!” I rushed to pick up the cookies, only to spin around to see him half-way through his second helping. I know it was his second because of there is no way one cookie generated all the cocoa yumminess now on his face and hands… he laughed — and this time, I laughed right with him.
Ryan M. Salinetti is a full-time resident of Southampton NY [The Hamptons]
and a happily married Mom & Dog Owner…Well rounded she’d say.
facebook
twitter
StumbleUpon
digg it
kirtsy
Technorati
reddit
del.icio.us
blinklist
simpy
Margaret serrano, August 16, 2009
I have a daughter the same age who acts the same way when tired...maybe your son needs more sleep....?
Goddard School of Cedar Park, August 16, 2009
Nice post! Here are some interesting ideas on tantrums by a mother and child therapist.
http://blogs.goddardsystems.com/Cedar-Park-TX/2009/07/24/...
Kathy Samuelson, August 16, 2009
Thank you for sharing your story, Ryan. With such a short insight in to the views you have on your son you are making me think more about what my 2 1/2 yr old is thinking and going through. I appreciate it and will try and have more patience with her because of you helping me see her world in a whole new light.
Cassandra Arnold, August 16, 2009
What a great story! I love moving through the events with you and Will that are so common to those of us in the company of two year olds. I noticed that after each NO, you ran to pick up what Will had broken. This is such a natural response. May I suggest that next time, you stop to pick up Will and recover the pieces in him that may feel broken? You are so aware of Will's feelings and how they push him to his melt downs. That's great...
Peg M., August 17, 2009
Thanks so much for trying to understand the world from the 2-year-old's point of view. In my experience, we grownups are the ones in the parent/child relationship that have the possibility of changing how things are. If our little "new" people are acting out, they are trying to meet their needs in the only way they know. It's up to us to use our lifetime of learning and experience to find a more compassionate, patient, and ultimately reasonable approach...
Ryan, August 17, 2009
Wow! Thanks for all the great feedback!
Lisa , August 17, 2009
The best thing I ever did with my daughter at that age (and ealier) was to teach her basic sign language. It relieves their frustration (and yours) enormously, as they have the ability to communicate their basic needs at as early as 6 months. Look for a musicwithmar instructor in your area as some sign is used with the songs, and it is a great program. The instructors all sell the book "Signing for Children"; or look for a basic sign class in your area.
Gale M. Petti, August 18, 2009
Your understanding and appreciation of you son was so wonderful to read. It reminded me of my Son at that age. He would go into the carpetted living room and pick up the biggest toy he could lift. (He had a lot of big trucks.) He would go to the kitchen where we had a vinyl floor an lift the toy as high over his head that he could and then he would crash it down with as much force as he could muster. It would make a loud noise and he would laugh...
Kirsten, August 18, 2009
so true. Thank you. My youngest has transformed from unbelievably happy go lucky to occasionally screamingly frustrated ... yes I know (I have 3 older) that I have it "easy," but this is still distressing ... you've help re-ground me in kid-reality :).
Julie, August 19, 2009
Thanks so much! I usually pickup the kid first, but have often been harassed for taking the kid's perspective to heart first. It's hard being that young, and it gets harder the older they get... especially at 36!
M Edwards, August 26, 2009
Funny story. Thanks for giving me a chuckle.
