Yes, the "terrible twos" have arrived. Many parents dread this time because
they have been hearing from everyone how difficult it can be. But many parents also
discover that it's not as "terrible" as they thought!
While it's true that toddlers can be tough, they are also lots of fun and full
of life. You may see that your child has some typical toddler behaviors. But also you
may see he is also a unique little person all his own. Your child's temperament and
how well you get along together are important to how the "twos" will go. You both
may make it through the "twos" with few major struggles. Or, you may find yourself
challenged and exhausted every day!
Remember, a toddler's has an important job now. She needs to separate from
parents and form a sense of herself as an individual. Toddlers develop a sense of self
and their place in the world in several ways. They test their abilities, test limits
and see how adults respond to them. They are not trying to make parents crazy on purpose.
It just seems that way sometimes. Toddlers push you away one minute and cling to you the
next. It may seem that you have two different toddlers at times, instead of one!
This period of growing and separating is very hard for toddlers. They are
experiencing a range of moods, emotions, and needs that can be overwhelming. Easy
going toddlers may be able to adjust to these intense experiences with not too much
trouble. Other children may really struggle. Changes in routine, separations, and
limit setting may be hard.
Toddlers have to do things by themselves and in their own way in order to
define who they are. They need parents to be supportive as they work towards independence.
This support makes toddlers feel good about themselves.
Adapted from Healthy Steps. Edited and Compiled by the Center for Promotion of Child Development Through Primary Care 2011
