New Parent Tips: Are All Two Year Olds Terrible Two's?

New parents are constantly warned about the terrible twos. Veteran parents roll their eyes and sigh when your child turns two. You'll likely hear things like, "Hope you've got a lot of patience because you're going to need it!". Is it true? Are all two year olds terrible twos? In my opinion there are a lot of determining factors. One is the way they're raised.

Babying is for babies. So much of the terrible twos is blamed on age. People forget that parents can be a contributing factor. If you give in easily to your child's demands, they learn to be....demanding. In fact, if you're not careful, they will continue to be demanding throughout their life. Spoiled kids definitely escalate the terrible two syndrome. My six year old grandson says he's going to spoil all his kids rotten. I feel for him when they reach the terrible twos.

It's not all your fault. Two is the age when toddlers experiment with asserting themselves. They test their boundaries as a natural part of development. This is when they learn what you will and won't accept. Even the best parents might experience this aspect of the terrible twos. Does this mean all two year olds are destined to become terrible twos? Well, maybe just slightly terrible if you're skilled and lucky.

No two kids are alike. I had the easiest time with my son. He seemed to just float through the terrible twos. My girls, on the other hand, weren't quite that easy. Temper tantrums, jealousy, constant drama, you name it, I went through it with those two. Going to the grocery store was a nightmare. I once had to drag my youngest, kicking and screaming from the cookie aisle. She put on a real show. My son, on the other hand just accepted my "nos" with grace. So, there you go. All two year olds are not terrible twos. Hopefully your two year old is more like my son.

Are boys exempt from the terrible twos then? Oh gosh no. Sorry to say, although my son seemed to be, I have seen many little boys go through the terrible twos with a roar. The terrible twos show no mercy based on gender, or anything else. It's like the lottery. You might come out a winner. Then again, your terrible two might be the " terriblest" two in the history of mankind.

What can you do to make the terrible twos less terrible?

*Set and enforce boundaries. Your child is testing your limits.

*Be patient, calm and firm. Don't lose your temper, scream or show frustration. Example is the best teacher.

*Remember, this is just one stage of their life. It will pass.

*Tackle the terrible twos with a sense of humor. Don't let your toddler see that you find their behavior amusing, though. They will see this as approval of their evil ways.

*Give yourself a break. Hire an occasional sitter to escape the mayhem of the terrible twos.

More from this contributor:

Don't comb your kids' hair and let them go barefoot

Fun room cleaning tips and games for toddlers

Tree swing safety for little Tarzans

Source:

Personal Experience