July 4th 2019.
The day my daughter turned two years old and I promise, it was like a switch internally that started the terrific twos. Now, I know they are often called terrible twos but let’s be honest, they aren’t always terrible. I still get my cuddles, sweet kisses, hugs and “I love you” but when they are “TERRIFIC” they are terrific. I hear threes are worst but in this present moment those twos, oh my word.
Walking through Target (my undoubtedly favorite store at the moment) and my daughter sees a toy or food that she just HAS TO HAVE and then the terrific twos come out. I see that mom on the other end of the aisle staring – not staring because there are daggers of judgement because of my terrific two child – but because she understands. We give each other a nod and smile and continue on our separate shopping trips. The nod is like a sense of “You are not alone and it is okay that you have no control over your child’s emotions at the moment.” And let me tell you something, those simple smiles make me feel better about the situations. I am still learning in this whole toddler mom life but these next steps may help the newly toddler mom.
Tips on dealing with Terrific Twos:
- Remain calm and talk it out in a calm voice. This is where I think I struggle a bit. It is so easy to get frustrated and fuss at these tiny terrific two year old toddlers but we MUST remain calm. I have found when I am speaking calmly and not making it a scene, it subsides sooner.
- Don’t give in. Stick to your words. If they are having a terrific two temper tantrum because they couldn’t get that perfect toy in Target, don’t just give them the toy and buy it to keep them happy. Because then they will correlate that bad behavior with getting what they want.
- Put the focus on something else. My daughter has new found love for Minnie Mouse and anytime a tantrum begins I ask her if she wants to hug Minnie Mouse. Now I will be honest, sometimes it works and other times it doesn’t, we are definitely still working on this one.
- Keep a routine with meals, naptime and sleep. This one is a big one for us. My terrific toddler gets HANGRY. If I make sure she eats “on time”, has a good nap and sleeps well this will normally minimize the amount of temper tantrums. I mean how is your attitude when you are hungry and sleepy?
- Give positive affirmation when they have good behavior.
Most toddlers love positive affirmation. When my toddler has great behavior in our favorite store, I normally reward her with a little treat. Normally that treat is a cake pop from her favorite, Starbucks. - Try not to worry what other people think and if you are being judged. Truth be told, you are a mom — sometimes a new mom, sometimes a seasoned mom and we have ALL been in that position at some point. Just breathe and don’t focus on the possible stares you may get. It’s OKAY and 6/10 (if you are in a store) you will never see those people again.
Now, I hear that the wonderful age of three is quite a struggle too. So maybe when that time comes, I will be able to offer some tips on the thrilling threes. Until then, good luck stay strong and love on those terrifically two toddlers.
