Your little angel has turned two and you been warned about the “terrible twos”. Is it a myth or a reality? In an article by #JayL.Hoecker, M.D., entitled, I’ve heard a lot about the terrible twos. Why are 2-year-olds so difficult? Dr. Hoecker stated, “Two-year-olds are struggling with their reliance on their parents and their desire for independence. They’re eager to do things on their own, but they’re beginning to discover that they’re expected to follow certain rules. The difficulty of this normal development can lead to inappropriate behavior, frustration, out-of-control feelings, and tantrums. During this time, expect that you and your child will occasionally lose patience with each other. Try to stay calm. When your child begins to get worked up, try to redirect his or her attention. If you can’t distract your child, ignore him or her.”
When my husband and I went through this period with our son, we experienced “the terrific twos” with him. He was eager to learn, explore life, and was articulate. He loved adverbs, and his favorites were, “actually and basically”. Now don’t hate on us, but after losing our first child, God blessed us with him. Maybe, it was God’s way of healing our pain from the death of our daughter. I share this with you because we didn’t experience the terrible twos, but I would like to help those who are pulling their hair out because of their toddler.
As I reflect on our parenting style, I would give the following advice to parents who are struggling with a child who at times seems out of control:
- Love your child unconditionally and if you can stay at home with your child until your child is three or four years old.
- Spend as much time as you can with your child. When I started working, I scheduled my appointments around his nap times or mother’s morning out visits.
- Find out what your child’s likes and dislikes are. Substitute foods (not nutrition) that your child doesn’t like. For example, if your child doesn’t like broccoli, but likes peas, give your child the peas. Don’t make it a control issue and try to force your child to eat broccoli.
- Praise your child continually. Play with your child. Sing and read to your child and pray every night with your child. Hold and hug your child as much as they need your comfort. If it means your house is a little dirty, so what. What’s more important, a healthy child that knows that you are tuned in to them, and love them unconditionally, or a clean house?
You are loved, capable, intelligent, beautiful, and fearfully and wonderfully made by a loving father. #God’s will is that you and your children have an abundant, healthy and fulfilled life. Please show your support of this post by liking, commenting, following me, and brightening someone’s day by sharing it with them.
Do not provoke your children, lest they become discouraged. Colossians 3:21
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