Terrible Twos

Terrible twos are nothing but a developmental milestone that is close to a second birthday. It is increased curiosity, independence, and lack of control. It is around 24 months old when Tots go through significant motor, emotional, social, and brain changes.

There is some truth to the idea that there may be very few children under the age of two that begin to try to become independent. They are no longer completely dependant and they will be trying to let you know that. They seek their own way and do whatever it takes to get it.

Toddlers are more interested in their surroundings. They get a false sense of independence. They will no longer depend on you, or they will.

The difficulty of this normal development can lead to inappropriate behavior, depression, uncontrollable feelings, and tactics.

If you have a toddler who cries, falls to the ground, refuses to understand, and is always provoked up its sleeve, you know that terrible twos have arrived.

Why are terrible twos so hard?

Factors that make terrible twos difficult are, firstly, a lack of emotional control, and another reason is the inability to express their feelings.

Adults can control their irritability and anger, but a child at the age of two cannot.

Signs of a terrible twos:

1. Opposition

Your child is gaining new skills and abilities every day. It is natural for your child to want to test those skills and abilities. This can lead to your children objecting to things like holding their hand to cross the street or helping them to put on their clothes or climb a playground slide.

As your child develops more independence, they may begin to insist that they do it for themselves, to see if they can develop to be able to do their work more. They may suddenly decide that they want to help you do the things they are already proficient at.

2. Mood Swings

One minute your child may be happy and loving, the next may be screaming, crying, and miserable. All of this is a result of the frustration caused by wanting to do it themselves without the skills needed to understand or negotiate.

3. Tantrums

Strategies range from mild winning to all-out hysterical meltdowns. In addition to crying during irritability, your baby may be physically involved, which may include:

  • Beating
  • Kicking
  • Biting
  • Throwing objects
  • Physical mobility

Two-year-olds have a lot of ability to run around. However, they still lack stability and balance. Parents face the challenge of keeping their tots safe while maintaining their independence. This can lead to disciplinary issues and cause concern for both parents and children.

4. Self - Awareness

Children at this age are more likely to be self-aware. They begin to understand that they are a different set from their parents.

Tips for dealing with terrible twos:

  • Always provide a toddler with limited options. Rather than asking what he or she wants. It gives children the ability to control while selecting without overwhelming the child with so many options.

  • Provide your toddler with a safe, child-free environment. If you do not take the time to properly protect, punishing a two-year-old child is not really fair.

  • Identify their feelings such as frustration, anger, or sadness. Explain that feelings are normal, but not to act in a way that offends others.

  • Understand Your Toddler's Abilities. Recognize that they are growing. Give them activities that allow them to show what they can do.

  • A tired toddler is an invitation to trouble. Avoid making plans at your child's bedtime. You definitely don't want to deal with an anxious, sleep-deprived toddler. Making sure that with proper NAP time, you can help tame terrible twos.

  • Do not wait to resolve unacceptable issues. Tell them that hitting, biting, crying or what they are doing is not acceptable behavior.

  • Appreciate behaviors you approve of and ignore those you want to discourage.

  • Do not hit or spank and try not to yell at them. You want to model nonviolent behavior for your children.

  • Try to ignore their tantrums. Let them know that you are ignoring their tantrums because that behavior is not the way to get your attention.

  • If you find yourself feeling angry, walk away. Take a breath.

  • Try to think like your little one. They see these activities as fun and it's normal! They are learning and discovering what is around them.

  • Help them identify what is safe and what is not safe to touch. Try "No Touch" for unrestricted or unsafe items, "Soft Touch" for faces and animals, and "Yes Touch" for safe items.

  • Remember to be cool and calm and look after your child compassionately when solving a problem. Most of these techniques will help prevent future strategies.

Get the advice of other experienced parents who have already dealt with them and see what worked for them. Some of these tips may help you, while some others may not. But keep trying. A strategy that did not work in the past, may work in the future. See what works for you and your child.