Surviving the "Terrible Two's"

It wasn't until I had a two year old that I realized just how real the Terrible Two stage could be. Toddlers can be busy, full of energy and temperamental at times. Yet they can also be sweet and lovable as well. Transitioning from the baby phase, and going into the toddler phase can be a fun and exciting time. Seeing your child grow and become more independent, hearing them as they talk more, and watching as their little personalties unfold can just bring so much joy.

This stage can kind of creep up on you though, the time flies by so quickly. You always hear of the Terrible Two's, but it doesn't become real until you experience it first hand. For some moms it may not be so bad, but for others it can be somewhat overwhelming. For all moms it can be an adjustment period, and with making adjustments you'll either find what works for you, or what doesn't.

I currently have a two year old so this stage is still ongoing for me. In this blog I decided to talk about some of the things that I've learned so far in hopes of it possibly helping someone else.

Tantrums

A good indicator that your child has began their Terrible Two stage could be when you notice an increase in defiant behavior, or tantrums. Tantrums can be frustrating and hard to manage.

One thing I've learned about tantrums is to not add fuel to the fire. When they're having an episode, raising your voice or being combative may only make matters worse. I've found that simply walking away or ignoring their behavior has a better affect. In those moments they want your attention, so not giving in will show them that that is not the way to get it.

In the moments where you may not be able to ignore them or walk away, talking to them calmly but firmly may be affective. Being calm shows them the correct way to communicate, and sooner or later if you're consistent, they'll understand and catch on to the process.

In circumstances where you can sense a tantrum coming on, distracting or deflecting the situation may be helpful. Being able to redirect their attention can make all the difference. For an example, my daughter isn't always excited about getting ready for bed. So before she lays down I'll ask her what book she wants to read and next thing I know she's running to get a book and she's not even thinking about the fact that she doesn't want to go to bed.

Finding a schedule that works for you

Making sure to stick to a daily routine has been very helpful for me. I work from home so coming up with a schedule was almost a must. Schedules add structure and stability to your day. Toddlers are more pleasant when they have consistency and they know what to expect from their day.

If coming up with a schedule seems like too much work, you can gradually work your toddler into one. You can start by getting them in bed at the same time every night, or walking them up and getting the day started at around the same time every morning. Then, you can move on to having meals at the same time each day, and so forth and so on. The most important part is to just stay consistent.

Naps are necessary

I wasn't always consistent with making sure to incorporate nap time into my daughter's day. It wasn't until I became consistent that I noticed just how important naps actually are to a toddler. Every day doesn't always go as planned, but naps are definitely something I try to incorporate into each day.

Without naps, toddlers can be more irritable which can affect their moods and behaviors. Being consistent with the times they take their naps may also be important. It's so much easier for them to fall asleep when they're used to going to sleep around the same time each day. And honestly, just as much as the naps benefit the children, they're also great for the parent(s). When you can count on your child having a nap each day, you can count on having a few hours to yourself to do as you please, whether it's just to relax, do chores, or maybe even to take a nap yourself. Either way, whatever you decide, I can assure you that it'll be time well spent.

Have you experienced the Terrible Two's? How was your experience?