Terrible Twos and the Fast-Food Rule

You hear horror stories from other parents or read about the terrible twos. As your child reaches 1 ½ years old, you come to the understanding that you are soon to be a parent experiencing the “terrible twos.”  It tends to be that when a child turns two (I have seen my two nephews go through this stage) – what Mommy says doesn’t go. Because it’s his way or the highway! I have witnessed my nephews throw themselves to the ground – ha!

WE all agree no one looks forward to the “terrible twos,” which is a developmental stage that usually begins during in the toddler years.  Although many parents don’t expect the terrible twos to start until their toddler is two years old it can begin anytime during your kid’s second year. So what are the terrible twos? How do you know?  It is characterized by toddlers being negative about most things and often saying ‘NO,’ or you may find your toddler having everyday mood changes and temper tantrums.

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Picking Your Battles

It’s hard to say "no" to this face!

I have a 28 month old. I don’t want to call it the terrible twos  because she’s just being independent…right? I love that she has a will of  her own, but boy, is it ever a challenge to get through everything these days! In the morning, it’s a struggle to pick clothes that are  acceptable to both of us. Throughout the day, it’s a (not fun) game trying to get her to pick up her toys.

The other night, I asked her to pick up all her magnetic letters and either put them on the fridge or in the old coffee can. She refused. I then asked her to help me do it. She just sat there and watched me. OK, I know I can’t do it for her because that is just setting myself up for the next 15-20 years of continuing to “do” for her. I decided this was a battle I was going to win and was prepared to do whatever it took to make it happen. Now I had to get tough and tell, not ask, her to do it. She still refused. I wrapped my hand around hers and helped her to pick up each letter and then released her hand making her drop it, but all that did was entertain her. She just thought it was funny. Finally I told her if she didn’t cooperate she had to go to bed. She still refused so I hauled her to the bedroom. She cried and said, “No, no”. When I asked if she would pick up her letters she said she would. I brought her back to the kitchen. When I sat her down she again refused. After going back and forth a couple of times with longer periods of time in the bedroom she finally gave in and picked everything up.

I know this process was significantly more painful for me than for her, but at least I won this round. She’s been a bit better about it this week. Next week, I’m sure there will be a whole new battle. I’d love to find out if anyone has a fun ways to teach kids to pick up after themselves.

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