THE TERRIBLE TWOS

From TODAY, Voices
Tuesday October 14, 2008

By Dr James Dobson

Do the “terrible twos” really have to be so terrible? Just ask any two-year-old. The answer will most assuredly be “no”.

If there is one word that characterizes the period between 15 and 24 months of age, it is “no”. “No,” he doesn’t want to eat his cereal. “No,” she doesn’t want to have a bath. And – you can be sure – “No,” he doesn’t want to go to bed anytime at all.

Perhaps the most frustrating aspect of the “terrible twos” is the tendency kids have to spill things, eat horrible things, fall off things, flush things, and to get into things (our son Ryan used to blow bubbles in the dog’s water dish, which horrified his mother).

The picture sounds bleak. And admittedly there are moments when a toddler can wreak havoc on a home. However, even with all the struggles, there’s no more thrilling time of life than this period of dynamic blossoming and budding independence.

And it passes by all too quickly. There are many parents of older children today who would give all that they own to relive those bubbly days with their toddlers.

So, to the harassed mum out there who has just about had it with motherhood, I hope you’ll hang in there. Some day you, too, will look back on these experiences with the warmest of memories.