Understanding the “terrible two’s”
This is a topic that doesn’t go a stray! It’s the age where you thought newborn uncertainty was the worst of it until all of a sudden your precious little gem becomes your precious little CHALLENGING gem. I am yet to meet a family that doesn’t say, “I can’t wait for this phase to be over!" If you’re in this boat — then this blog is for you!
Lets talk about the “terrible” side first.
A new day has begun and you're making breakfast for your little one. You offer them their usual breakie and instead of receiving a happy smile you see the breakfast on the floor alongside a screaming toddler. You ask yourself;
What the hell just happened ?
Am I losing my mind ?
Great, it’s only 7am.
Naturally you’re frustrated — after all you thought you were making a safe choice offering the standard breakfast they usually demolish, think again! Terrible two’s mean 2 things; unpredictable and illogical.
The two together = a TERRIBLE combination in a 2YR olds body! There you have it friends, the basics of what is your second year of parenting.
Now for the bad news, this is not something you can avoid BUT it is something you can all handle with the right tools. The most common issue parents face is not knowing what to do because of the lack of understanding.
Below are a list of common triggers that you may be familiar with;
- Dramatic meltdowns with limited words and more physical communication (head banging, kicking, punching, wriggling on the floor)
- Throwing items
- Saying no when they mean yes (“do you want a treat"-NO! Clearly this would be a yes)
- Won’t settle with a substitute or choice
- Easily frustrated and acts out frequently — can’t figure out how to use something, has trouble with meals, dropping items etc…
If your child is exhibiting these behaviours, do not worry! This is all normal and also very common. Your child is trying to understand how they can express themselves and regulate all their thoughts and feelings. Their cognitive development is being accelerated as they begin to speak more, walk, and observe things differently. Their emotional outbursts aren’t regressive but rather PROgressive!
My next blog will look into management strategies for tantrums & overall survival! But before I love and leave you — please remember the following 3 rules!
Make time for yourselves (“Me time”)
Make time for each other (Mummy and Daddy)
Make time for your little one
