The “terrible twos” is a name given by parents to describe the whirlwind of emotion that toddlers go through at the age of two, but may start before and continue well into the early third year. This is a very challenging period in a parent’s life but do not fret, because Beiruting Kids cares about giving you the best parenting tips to cope with any situation, so read on for helpful tactics on how to make your child’s year (and yours) better.
Toddlers at this age are overloaded with emotions, and once we understand this it becomes easier to deal with their tantrums. When they are having a breakdown, the last thing they need is a lecture, try giving them a hug instead. As strange as it might seem and it’s perhaps the last thing that can be called for, but it does wonders and it puts your child’s defenses down.
It is essential that kids this age follow a certain daily routine and for them to be comfortable with it. Avoid changing plans last minute or any sudden activity that might sour their mood, and instead try walking them into the situation. For example tell your child, ‘now we will wear our clothes, next we will go outside, then we will play’ etc. so that he/she can process this new plan.
As much as time out seems like a good idea, in this situation it isn’t because this communicates to the child that their feelings are irrational and don’t deserve acknowledgment, and that when he/she has these feelings they shouldn’t be dealt with, but put aside in a corner. Instead, stay calm and in control of the situation, because when your child detects your fury or negativity, it will spiral him/her into a worse mood.
Ask yourself, is my child hungry, thirsty, tired? All these can be valid reasons for acting out, and because children this age might not be vocal about their needs, it is our duty as parents to find out the cause. A helpful tip if none of these are the reason behind this change of mood is to offer a distraction such as a toy to steer their attention away from the current situation.
Keep in mind that this shouldn’t be a power struggle between the parent and the child, and some of the set rules can be bended depending on the situation. Think of it this way, is your child having a breakdown because he/she doesn’t want to take a bath at that particular moment? Then let it slide. Is he/she acting out because he/she wants a toy at the mall when you clearly said no? Then stick to your guns. Use this strategy to work around your house rules according to each situation.
As mentioned previously this is a tough phase in a child’s life, but keep in mind that they are growing not only physically, but emotionally as well, and all these new emotions are new, and they deal with it the only way they know how, by crying and screaming. Once we as parents recognize the reason behind this change of behavior, we can cope with this challenging year in a more empathetic manner.
Maria Najem
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