Raising Your Two-Year Old: Hints and Tips

Yesterday my two year old daughter was an angel. She smiled and sang, we cuddled on the couch, and she played well with her baby brother. Today, she is just the opposite - whiny, difficult, defiant and loud. How do you handle the split personality that comes with being a toddler? These hints and tips will give you some ideas to keep your own little angel from succumbing to the terrible twos.

How to Get Past the Terrible Twos: It's a Phase

My son and daughter had a daycare teacher when they were infants that they both just loved. Miss Di could do no wrong in there eyes, and she always seemed to know just how to teach them the lesson they needed learn. Miss Di also taught my husband and I an important lesson. When things get difficult with your baby, or your toddler, or your teenager, always remember that it is just a phase. When my 10-month old screamed for two months every time we set him down to play, we chanted to ourselves, "It's just a phase." When my two year old daughter screams from her bedroom because her lip balm "won't stick," it's just a phase. These things, too, shall pass.

How to Get Past the Terrible Twos: Time Outs are Necessary

Time outs are absolutely necessary - for parents, that is. When you are the parent of a two year old, you will be tested. Even the best toddlers require a level of patience that is beyond that of a saint. When your little angel screams at you for helping her cut her pancakes in the middle of the restaurant, take a deep breath. Instead of escalating the situation, take a little time out yourself and think about things from your child's perspective. She is just learning to be independent, and even though it is frustrating, she needs to make her own mistakes. Keep your corrections of her behavior low-key, and then move on.

How to Get Past the Terrible Twos: The Tantrums

When the volume goes up and the limbs start flailing, watch out. Your two year old is in the middle of a tantrum. My husband and I have developed a few ways to deal with tantrums. If we are particularly tired, we will tell our daughter that when she is calm and ready to talk, we are willing to listen. For some reason, all our toddler usually wants is to tell us something that has been on her mind or to have a little quiet time with one of us to snuggle. Another way of dealing with a tantrum is to make your child laugh. This approach requires not only staying calm yourself, but also finding some humor in the situation. I usually tell my daughter that if she does not behave by the time I count to three, I will bring out the "tickle monster." This inevitably leads to paroxysms of giggles - quite a turn around from her tantrum. Of course, you will need to experiment to find a technique that works for you and your child.

How to Get Past the Terrible Twos: Keep on Loving

Being two is hard work. Everything is still very new, and your child is finding ways to be more independent. But in the midst of all of her newfound independence is still the need to be cuddled and hugged and loved. Find time each day where you and your toddler can snuggle together, and she can tell you all about her day. We usually carve out time together right before bedtime. I make a "nest" of blankets and pillows, she gets into her pajamas, and we cuddle together quietly. This downtime is also a perfect way to lead into bedtime because after a busy day, a few moments of quiet time is quite soothing. Cherish these quiet times. When you are in the midst of the terrible twos, these moments are especially precious.