Oh the Two's

My daughter officially turned two, but I think we have officially hit the terrible two's before the big day. I always figured it was the natural behavior of toddlers, not just the two's. However now I am realizing why they call it the terrible two's; it is because it comes at you like a smack in the face. Boom! Mom I am officially independent and I have an opinion! Suddenly something fun like playing outside becomes a tantrum and meltdown when its time to come inside. There are many books I have found to be companion, such as "The Happiest Toddler on the Block". I think the most frustrating part is trying to maintain your own self. The more angry you get, the worse the tantrum becomes. Therefore you have to master the art of patience once again. It is an art no one really masters as a parent, but we are constantly trying as our kids grow up. Today I was at the library and because it was time to leave it became a tantrum. I think about five mom's approached me and told me that they had been there and understand. I actually got bumped to the head of the line, lol. You always get the ugly looks from those who don't have kids. It is almost like they are thinking, " Get your darn kid under control you horrible parent", and my reaction is to push your child closer to them :)

I get scared when parents tell me that it gets worse by age 3. However, I will have some practice by then. My favorite is when my friend's without children see what a toddler tantrum looks like and you see the look of fear on their faces. I try to always remind them that it doesn't last and it wasn't always this way (at least I hope it doesn't last long ;) The positives of this age (because I don't want to sound like am a bitter mother), is the amazing speed of learning. My daughter is a complete book worm. She adores looking through books and pointing out everything and having them read to her. She can actually sing the ABC's and talks so much. I am not one of those parents saying my daughter is the smartest little girl ever (although she is to me), but its amazing to watch her grow and learn and to be a part of it.