Perhaps the greatest parenting myth is the “terrible two’s”. There are a lot of popular topics that parents want to discuss, but this particular one is frequently used as a source of fear and woeful expectations. However, there’s good news.
It’s your issue, not your kid’s.
So many people just take it for granted that when their child hits the age of 2, they will become a little monster. A creature that will terrorize them for a year, before reverting back to normal.
What?
The truth is that age two is the same as any other age with one very important difference; at no other age will your child be experiencing such a level of exponential growth. The typical two year old has just begun to walk and talk. They have also just begun to realize that there is this great big world that they want to explore and get to know better. What makes the age of two “terrible” is that this kick into overdrive for your child coincides with your desire as parent, to slow down.
Think about it for a minute.
As the parent, you have just spent the better half of two years having to figure out what each cry means, lugging this growing child everywhere with you and constantly having to move the child from the swing, to the saucer, to the walker, to the crib, etc.
You’re tired!
From your perspective, the mobility seems to be a positive (no more lugging) and you can now have some basic conversations and not have to guess so much. This is a sign they are getting older and you are ready for that and most importantly, a break.
But…
You can’t let up. In fact, you must actually kick yourself into a higher gear! It’s a very cruel fact of parenting. At age two, your child becomes ready for their first foundations of discipline.
• This is the age you will to start using redirection a lot. If not, you will suffer through those same “terrible two’s” that all your friends and family told you about.
• Toddler-proof your home and keep things that are not appropriate out of their reach.
• Make sure you have an eye on your child as much as possible.
• Make your messages consistent. Follow through and when they ultimately get upset at you for not allowing them to have their way, let them cry! If you are consistent, they will soon get the message and move onto something else.
The “terrible two’s” don’t have to be that way. Parents create the myth through their lack of preparedness for the changes outlined above. Be consistent and things will go smoother. You’ll also have a great foundation to build on in the years to come.
Jason McIntyre is a Family Development Expert, with 17 years experience and certifications from The University of Maine and Cornell University. His FREE weekly newsletter is a fantastic source of all kinds of tips, strategies, answers and resources for parents. Join today at: www.parentingbaselines.com
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