Terrible Twos Tips for the Smart Mum

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Terrible Twos. That is a dreaded phase for most parents and then other parents look at you with pity when you tell them your child just turned two. If you are currently going through this phase with your kid, don’t lose hope. You can survive this time if you follow these smart ways of tacking the terrible twos.

There is some truth to the idea that children at the age of two can be quite a handful. They’re beginning to become a person in their own right. They’re no longer completely helpless and they’ll be sure to let you know that fact. They want their own way and will do whatever it takes to get it. Does that sound at all like you, your partner or other children in the family?

 Part of the reason why two-year-olds are given such a bum rap is because they are stuck. They’re no longer babies but they probably still have problems communicating well. When they’re in the midst of a meltdown, it is difficult to reason with a two-year-old.

Don’t wait to deal with issues which are unacceptable.

Before your child reaches this stage, decide how you’re going to act the first time your child throws a tantrum because they didn’t get their way. Tell them no hitting, no biting, no whining or whatever they’re doing which you deem is not acceptable behavior. Then be consistent in how you handle that infraction each and every time.

Plan your daily activities around them.

This means avoiding trips out to the store when it’s too close to their naptime. It also means being sure you have a snack with you in case they get hungry while you are out and about. If you must go out to the store, try to do it during the part of the day they’re generally in a good mood. By avoiding trips outside the house when you know they’ll be cranky you can avoid a good deal of problems.

Many two-year-olds don’t like change.

If this describes your child, try to let them know ahead of time what is going to happen. Tell them 10 or 15 minutes before you have to go someplace so they can start transitioning from one activity to another.

Acknowledge their feelings of frustration, anger or sadness.

Explain that feelings are normal but that acting in a way which will hurt others is not. Help them find the words they need to express themselves. Hold them, tell them a joke or speak to them in a soft voice to soothe them.

Understand your toddler’s abilities.

Recognize they are growing up (often faster than you’d like) and they are able to do things they couldn’t in the past. Give them activities which will allow them to show off what they can do. Make a big deal out of their putting their clothes in their dresser or helping you set the table. Find things they can do which will give them a reason to shine and for you to be proud of their achievements.

Try following some of these smart ways of tacking the terrible twos. Get the advice of other parents who have gone through them and see what worked for them. Then you may find your child’s ‘terrible’ twos can become their ‘terrific’ twos.