Terrible Twos
Terrible Twos
The Terrible Twos. I thought that it was all just a myth, an old wives’ tale, or just another excuse to complain about the hard realities of parenting. I once said that it’s all just some people’s imagination. Guess what, I was wrong. It’s all true and it’s as real as any other challenge that bombards (already tired) parents. As if taking care of a toddler is not enough.
Terrible Twos
Anyway, I noticed it with Rafa when he turned two years old. It wasn’t abrupt but it was a gradual, shall we say, change in him. As the days went by, he was becoming more of an attention-seeker and for a few months now, he has been a bit physical like hitting his cousin and even his older brother with objects or with his hands. He has also been kicking us and throwing things at us. At times, he’s so sensitive that he would cry non-stop for the smallest reasons like when we tell him to stop scattering his toys on the floor.
Of course, we know that the Terrible Twos is just a phase. However, there are times when we couldn’t help but ask if it’s permanent. The last thing that we want is for our child to grow as a violent person. Thankfully, it’s not. Just the same, it’s still good for us to understand what the Terrible Twos is all about.
According to Healthline, it’s a normal phase that toddlers go through and is characterized by tantrums, the need to break the rules, and being easily upset. So that explains why it’s terrible. Your little one can get physical and, in the process, may hurt their peers and even themselves.
I consider the Terrible Twos to be one of the ultimate tests of patience. I’ve raised my voice on many occasions just trying to get Rafa to listen to me. During those moments, all I got as a reply is a mischievous grin from Rafa. Yelling is never really the best option in any situation but I just couldn’t help it at times.
Anyway, here are some of the things that I found to be effective in managing the Terrible Twos:
Ensuring that Rafa feels loved and appreciated at all times.
Being patient as much as I can and trying my best not to raise my voice. I also remind myself that Rafa is just a two-year-old boy who does not understand a lot of things yet.
Making sure that our house is a safe place for a curious toddler.
Talking calmly to Rafa to explain to him why he is not allowed to do something or why it’s considered inappropriate to hurt other people physically.
Praising Rafa and telling him that he is doing good when he is being obedient.
Explaining to him that there are rules to be followed and that we cannot do things just because we wanted to do them.
Giving Rafa the freedom to do things like choosing the clothes that he wants to wear for the day or letting him choose his snacks.
Those are the things that I found to be the most effective. If I were to rank all of the above though, I believe that talking to Rafa in a calm and mature manner is what he appreciates the most.
If you are a dad like me, I’m sure you’ve also been through the Terrible Twos. How did you handle it? Feel free to share your experience in the comment section below.