Terrible Twos?

Ahh, the terrible twos. So what is it that starts around two that drives moms crazy? Independence! At this point, our peanut have learned the basics such as walking, eating, and so on. They've learned they aren't actually a PART of mommy and can do things on their own. So they want to try things on their own.

I think it scares then and excites them at the same time. Plus they have also discovered that they can express emotion (ie, screaming, whining, showing anger, frustration, and so on). However, they don't really know yet how to control those emotions. They haven't learned that part yet.

My son is in full force at four, and my daughter has JUST hit the terrible twos. They are handling it differently, but it doesn't mean it's driving me nuts.

Just hang tight, take some deep breathes and remember, it's ok for YOU to have time outs too (for your own sanity! lol...)

Also remember, be consistent with your discipline and love. :)

~J.

Whenever I see someone with this problem in the requests, I suggest a website that another mom posted a while ago. It was helpful for me when my little one was at that stage. It does get better, but they always have their moments! Good luck! You have to scroll down a little to get to the suggestions.

http://www.umext.maine.edu/onlinepubs/htmpubs/4140.htm

I agree - focus on the positive. I know it's hard (I have an almost 3 year old) and I always have to remind myself. For my daughter we have her go to her naughty step for 3 minutes (2 when she was 2) and set the timer so neither one of us forgets, then when she gets out we ask her to tell us why she was in timeout and if she forgets, we remind her and she has to apologize to us. Then she gets a hug and goes on about her business. Oh, and about him crawling into bed with you - she does too. I guess it's normal for them to push you away one minute and then need you the next. They want to be independent, but still want to know we are there. I have read so much on it, but it is so nice to hear other moms tell the same story. At least we know we aren't alone and our toddler isn't the only one doing this. :) Try to stay calm - sometimes I shut myself in a room and take some deep breaths when she really gets to me. Also, a lot of times when she is naughty, she is just bored, so I take her outside to get rid of some of that excess energy. Well, good luck. I hope I helped a little. :)

My son is 14 months and sounds like that! Can terrible twos start early? HA HA, Well I would say that maybe you should try to really really focus on the positives that he does and overly praise them! That is what super nanny always tells people!? Also, maybe he is out growing his naps if he is really protesting them with you during the day.

I have been a mom for 24 years, and had 2 boys and one girl, I never went through what some call the terrible twos, I think that was made up so parents could make excuses for their child's bad behavior, Children will do what ever they are allowed to do, if there are consiquinces for the bad behavior, the behavior will change, it will take time, most kids by the time they reach 2 they are pretty much set in their ways. Remember children live what they learn, so becareful who your child is around and what they are seeinng on TV and hearing and seeing at home. I lost a really good friend because her daughter at 2 was so bad, I didn't want her arounfd my son, and could not have her in my home anymore. Children need boundries, even in their own home, when my son now 24 was only 3 he was the only child allowed to go to a wedding, all envatations stated no children, ours stated except Edwin, the wedding was in their backyard, with folding chairs, there were two baloons tied to each chair, my 3 year old sat through the wedding still and queit and did not touch one baloons during the ceremony, some people were upset that my son was there, and their child was not allowed, until they seen my son's behavior, and then they new why he was allowed, so ask yourself, do you want to be able to take your child places, knowing that he will be well behaved? J. L. If you would like to talk more my e-mail address is ____@____.com