How To Deal With 2 Year Olds

The age of 2 is such a special age. They are learning so much in life and understanding the rules to different things. They have realized that they can cause an effect on you and know how to make you mad. And the temper tantrums they make may drive you crazy. Sometimes you have to let it go and wait for them to get over it.

Age 2

What's to Love

There's no denying it—2-year-olds are stinking cute! Their curiosity about the world is infectious. And while they certainly get into trouble, their mishaps feel accidental, making them easier to forgive.

What's Tough About It

Two-year-olds are fully mobile. Translation: They're into everything. And that means this is the first time you've had to set limits (no climbing the bookcase, crossing the street or picking up cigarette butts off the sidewalk). Your child has never heard “no” so many times in her short life—and she doesn't like it. To top it all off, 2-year-olds don't yet have the language to express feelings, so they resort to pitching fits. Their young brains can't handle extreme emotions without going a bit haywire.

How to Make The Most of It

Praise often: “You didn't throw any toys today! Great job!” When she blows her stack, ignore her, as long as she isn't hurting anyone. Yelling or attempts to subdue—even with affection—make tantrums last longer. Kazdin notes that a tantrum is a futile time for discipline. “Wait until your child is able to absorb what you say.”

To see more of Patty Onderko's article where she talks more about ages 1-4 go here:

Terrible Two Myths