From the newborn days to approximately 18 months, being a parent is mostly sunshine and rainbows. Unfortunately, there will be a day your child will wake up and choose chaos. The terrible twos are a reality parents have to take head-on. This parent’s guide for understanding the terrible twos can hopefully shed some light on the situation to get you through it.
Have a Consistent Meal Schedule
As the child develops, they begin to understand their daily routine, and they can become increasingly impatient if there is a disruption. A growing little one should have three meals a day before curling up on the mattress at night. Following a strict eating schedule is the best strategy for ensuring they meet their nutritional needs without issue.
Many of your baby’s cries occur because of a grumbling tummy, specifically if their internal clock alerts them that it’s chow time. Staying consistent with their meal times should keep their blowups in check.
Stay Active To Fight Through Boredom
Although they may have loved their toy collection for a long time, toddlers can grow bored with things quickly. One way to cure boredom is to remain active and try new things so that they don’t even realize they were bored in the first place.
Going on walks, letting them run outside, and playing games are all things that do wonders for keeping them happy and giggling throughout the day.
Redirect Their Attention
If going on a neighborhood stroll isn’t an option, you can try to redirect their frustration toward something that brings them joy. Even if you articulate why their behavior is inappropriate, they likely can’t understand yet. The only thing they know is that they aren’t getting their way.
By redirecting their attention from what caused the outburst, they might quickly forget about the candy bar you didn’t give or the toy you didn’t buy. What you use as redirection is up to you and what draws your child’s interest.
Don’t Mess With Their Nap
We touched on the importance of sticking to a schedule regarding mealtimes, but nothing is more vital than consistency with their nap schedule. It can be frustrating for a parent to rearrange their schedule around their child’s nap; however, it’s an absolute must.
A tired toddler can wreak havoc by throwing tantrums over random things. On the other hand, a well-rested little one will have more patience. If skipping or extending the nap time is the only option, you may have to take a rain check on the activity for the time being.
Stay Calm and Don’t Cave to Their Demands
It may seem easier to throw on a Disney movie or let them snack on something sweet to get them to calm down. However, it’s critical that you stay strong, remain calm, and don’t cave to their defiant behavior. The short-term benefits of silencing their blood-curdling scream will bring you relief, but it will only worsen it the next time it happens. You also want to do your best to control your anger and have a calm voice. Raising your voice and demonstrating your frustrations can be like throwing gasoline on a fire.
This parent’s guide for understanding the terrible twos gives you a fighting chance to endure this tumultuous period with your bundle of joy. Just remember that you’re not the only one fighting this fight, and it’s a very common stage in a child’s development. If you fear their behavior worsening, don’t hesitate to consult their pediatrician.