The not so Terrible Twos

Mikah is 2.

She has been for 3 months.

(yes I had to look back and count because it feels like much longer)

During these 3 months, I have witnessed mega meltdowns, so many tears, and oh, the attitude. I never knew such a tiny human could be so dramatic.

Some of her daily theatrics:

-begging for a cookie, only to throw it on the ground

-oh and she throws herself on the ground too

-handing her cookie to the dog, the screaming because she wanted to eat it

-repeating what she wants over..and over..and over

-if I tell her no, she simply finds Dad

-asking to watch 'Little Einsteins', then crying when it comes on yelling "else! else!" (translating to "put on something else"

-purposely spilling ice on the floor, then saying "uh oh" as if it was a total accident

-taking anything Livia was playing with first...just because she can

-coming up with a new excuse each night to put off bedtime

Do any of these behaviors sound familiar?

(I know my two year old isn't the only rebel)

Trust me, I feel your pain.

Did I mention that Livia copies everything Mikah does?

Being 2 is an emotional rollercoaster.

A toddler has such big feelings;

they're just experimenting with how to express them.

Your little one needs help, but demands independence.

They are over tired from protesting their naps.

A 2 year old is constantly learning..and they can't figure life out overnight.

Sharing is a struggle.

Sitting still is really hard.

Being quiet can seem impossible for them.

(unless of course you want them to say something)

The simple things you ask of them aren't so simple in their eyes.

These little two year olds need BIG love, and LOTS of patience.

Just remember the terrible 2's are frustrating for parent and toddler alike.

And mom and dad are learning too.

I know reasoning with a toddler is like talking with a little terrorist.

But a meltdown from you only encourages theirs.

Yelling, and becoming angry only causes more frustration for you both.

As crazy as you may feel, hold on to your sanity.

Breathe.

Just remember that a bad day doesn't make you a bad parent.

They're only 2 once.

Before you know it, they will be 12 and addicted to social media.

Blink and they will be 22 and in love.

Then 32 with a 2 year old of their own.

(that's when you can smile and enjoy the payback)

So love them while they're little...

because those not so terrible 2's will be a memory before we know it.