The Terrible Twos

It goes without saying that once your child hits two, you have your hands full. Other Parents won't waste any time telling you stories of how hecktic it can be parenting a child this age. What it seems like most fail to tell you is that it doesn't get better after two. You aren't getting off that easy.

We all know about the terrible two's and have more than likely been readying ourselves mentally since the day that they were born. Newborns are hard, don't get me wrong, but once your little one hits this stage in their life it is a whole different ball game. Have you ever really stopper to ask yourself why they get so difficult? There are reasons behind the wicked behavior of your toddler.

1.) They can walk Now

Once your little one get their legs under them it is a whole new world in their eyes. They can explore and discover new things, and new surroundings.

2.) They can talk

Most children by this age can talk at least a little bit. This newfound ability allows them to ask questions about things. They are also learning how to hold a conversation with you. While learning how to conversate, they are of course learning how to argue. They will use this new found skill a lot as they get older, I'm sure you are happy to hear that.

3.) Their brains are Developing

All these new things they are able to do as they reach the age of the terrible two's just increases the rate of which their little brains are developing. While you might think this is a lot to handle for you, but try to imagine what it is like for them. When they get extra cranky, or bratty try to give them the benefit of the doubt. Their whole world is changing every day, and they are so small in such a big world. I can only imagine that it gets overwhelming for them.

The two's are hard. There is no arguing that point. They gain so much curiosity and knowledge. They are brave and want to find out more about everything that they encounter. This can make your job as a parent extra stressful as you fight to get them to listen, and you struggle to keep them safe.

You may have the idea in your head that after two is over things get easier. Well I can tell you from personal experience that it not true. In my experience they get worse after two. Three and Four are just as challenging, if not more so. I have come to the conclusion that this is because in these years they are learning so much. They are learning educational things, as well as things about the world around them. They learn what it is to get hurt, what it is like to be mad, and how to correctly deal with their emotions. They have so much going on in their little life that they have no way of understanding, and I can imagine that can be frustrating, probably enough so to make anyone hard to deal with.

While there is nothing you can do about terrible twos and even threes, you can always find ways to make this challenging time easier on you and your child.

1.) Keep them Busy

The more you are able to keep them busy the better they will behave. When toddlers are bored they have more time to get themselves in to trouble, or even destroy your house. Provide them with plenty of activities, such as crafts and games. This will also help you build a good relationship with your child.

2.) Set Boundaries, and Stick to Them

You need to have a set of rules, and your child needs to follow them. Your child needs to learn early that you are the boss, and the rules you set need to be obeyed. This means setting fair but firm consequences for when your rules are broken. This is one of the hardest parts of parenting that none of us enjoy, but we all have to endure.

3.) Playtime

Make sure your child gets plenty of physical playtime. Outside activities are best to burn off that extra energy that can make our little ones into little monsters. Try to make sure your child gets at least an hour a day of some sort of physical activity. This may prevent them from driving you nuts with all their pent up energy.

Even though you are probably pulling your hair out about now, it is important to cherish every moment with your child. They may be difficult right now, but they will only be this little once. The best thing you can do is enjoy them being this small while you can. Kids grow up way too fast, and before you know it they will be in college. So take time and work with them, there will be bad day, and there will be good days, but it will all be worth it in the end.