In addition to the 5 tips given here, I'm going to let you in on a secret: there really is no such thing as the "Terrible Twos." I can make that statement because it is based on two important facts.
First : The behavior we so often label as "terrible" and try very hard to "correct" is actually normal and expected for children at a certain stage in their development. We as parents don't need to "fix" the child. We need to adjust our own attitudes about helping our children and ourselves through this challenging stage.
Second : All parents need to be aware of the fact that as human beings, our children develop according to their own time schedule and, as with all humans, fall somewhere along the bell curve of normal development. Because of the bell or normal curve, the behavior of the "terrible twos" may arrive at 18 months or not until well past age three and may very considerably in severity from child to child; and all are considered quite normal.
This often "difficult to handle" stage of development should be viewed as a positive sign of growth. (It is very beneficial to either take a class in Human Growth and Development, or at least read a book about the topic. The frustrating things children sometimes do are much easier to take when you know the behavior is actually normal for the child's age. This removes a great deal of fear and guilt!) Even when you know the behavior is normal, it can still be difficult to handle. There are, however, some things you can do to make the journey more beneficial and pleasurable for both of you:
5 Tips To Get Through The Terrible Twos:
1. Keep a journal. Write it all! Write about every frustration, every tantrum, every humorous moment--yes, there will be many of each. Someday, when you have more energy, you may find you actually have a book. You might even want to consider two journals: one that is strictly your personal thoughts that no one will ever see until you write your book, and the other for your child--a reflection of those early years as he/she matures. Older children love reading about themselves.
2. Document everything with a camera. Try to have a small camera with you all the time. (Another secret--You truly won't remember those things that seem so special at the time.) Create posters or scrapbooks or video slide shows from the pictures you take.
Once in a while, give your child a disposable camera, and allow the child to be a photographer and a director of toys, pets, friends, family, etc. You might be surprised at what your child creates, and you just might be pointing your child to a career. At the very least, you are creating memories.
Take pictures frequently children grow and mature faster than you can imagine. Snap fast!
3. Do lots of outings and special activities at home. I know that sounds impossible with a two-year-old, but persevere. Your outings might be for the location--zoo, butterfly pavilion, etc, or outings might have a specific purpose--find blue things, find flowers, find 3"s, or do story-time at the library.
Remember that all experiences are learning experiences. Always keep conversations positive and excited about learning.
4. Arrange play dates with children of similar ages. These can be field trips (include the other parents) or social/play times at home.
5. Be a duck. Let the bad stuff roll off. You are the adult! Your child is simply trying to be one. Be a good role-model. Always be positive. Keep your patience even when your child has lost his!
Remember, too, that the critical years for establishing language and math foundations are ages 1 to 4. Don't stop teaching when your child turns 2. Two year old have lots of energy and enthusiasm to give to learning. Take advantage of it!
First : The behavior we so often label as "terrible" and try very hard to "correct" is actually normal and expected for children at a certain stage in their development. We as parents don't need to "fix" the child. We need to adjust our own attitudes about helping our children and ourselves through this challenging stage.
Second : All parents need to be aware of the fact that as human beings, our children develop according to their own time schedule and, as with all humans, fall somewhere along the bell curve of normal development. Because of the bell or normal curve, the behavior of the "terrible twos" may arrive at 18 months or not until well past age three and may very considerably in severity from child to child; and all are considered quite normal.
This often "difficult to handle" stage of development should be viewed as a positive sign of growth. (It is very beneficial to either take a class in Human Growth and Development, or at least read a book about the topic. The frustrating things children sometimes do are much easier to take when you know the behavior is actually normal for the child's age. This removes a great deal of fear and guilt!) Even when you know the behavior is normal, it can still be difficult to handle. There are, however, some things you can do to make the journey more beneficial and pleasurable for both of you:
5 Tips To Get Through The Terrible Twos:
1. Keep a journal. Write it all! Write about every frustration, every tantrum, every humorous moment--yes, there will be many of each. Someday, when you have more energy, you may find you actually have a book. You might even want to consider two journals: one that is strictly your personal thoughts that no one will ever see until you write your book, and the other for your child--a reflection of those early years as he/she matures. Older children love reading about themselves.
2. Document everything with a camera. Try to have a small camera with you all the time. (Another secret--You truly won't remember those things that seem so special at the time.) Create posters or scrapbooks or video slide shows from the pictures you take.
Once in a while, give your child a disposable camera, and allow the child to be a photographer and a director of toys, pets, friends, family, etc. You might be surprised at what your child creates, and you just might be pointing your child to a career. At the very least, you are creating memories.
Take pictures frequently children grow and mature faster than you can imagine. Snap fast!
3. Do lots of outings and special activities at home. I know that sounds impossible with a two-year-old, but persevere. Your outings might be for the location--zoo, butterfly pavilion, etc, or outings might have a specific purpose--find blue things, find flowers, find 3"s, or do story-time at the library.
Remember that all experiences are learning experiences. Always keep conversations positive and excited about learning.
4. Arrange play dates with children of similar ages. These can be field trips (include the other parents) or social/play times at home.
5. Be a duck. Let the bad stuff roll off. You are the adult! Your child is simply trying to be one. Be a good role-model. Always be positive. Keep your patience even when your child has lost his!
Remember, too, that the critical years for establishing language and math foundations are ages 1 to 4. Don't stop teaching when your child turns 2. Two year old have lots of energy and enthusiasm to give to learning. Take advantage of it!
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