Community Education - current class catalogs Families - Fall 2016 | Page 13

Not so terrible twos

Those not so
“terrible twos”
So you have a little one who has just turned two and life seems
to be fairly calm and predictable. Then one day, BAM! Your
delightful child is not so delightful anymore. What happened?
Your toddler may be experiencing what some may call the terrible
twos. Rest assured though some behaviors are ‘terrible,’ they are
very typical and developmentally appropriate. The terrible twos
typically occur when toddlers begin to struggle between their
reliance on adults and their desire for independence. The trick is to
find the joys that are hidden within those challenges.
The good news is that you can help your two-year-old cope, thrive
and learn during this exciting year. Yes, it will be full of lots of “no’s”
from your spirited toddler, but can be filled with lots of laughter too.

“

Take time to enjoy
the little things that
bring your child joy.
- Brenda Reiner, ECFE teacher

”

What to love:

What’s tough:

How you can support your child:

Your child’s body is moving faster and
with more control and coordination.
You are likely tending to fewer “booboos” and bedtime may become
easier with children who have been
more physically active during the day.

Their energy switch is
likely always “on.”

Prioritize active playtime and move with your child! Go to
the park, climb on couch cushions stacked on the floor,
run and play with a ball. Your child is even more likely to
enjoy these fun games when you say “yes” and join in on
the fun!

Your child’s vocabulary is growing.
They will use new words and
phrases to express their emotions,
ask for help, and tell you exciting
stories about their day.

You may not understand
all of the words or phrases
that your child tries to use
as they work to verbally
express new or urgent
thoughts and ideas.

Encourage your child’s use of speech and ask them to
demonstrate what they need if they can’t find the words
to explain it to you.

Your child is becoming more
independent and is eager to try new
activities by themselves. You may
be able to take advatage of a few
moments of quiet, free time as your
child happily reads books or plays
with toys.

Independent play may
result in small messes or
your child may become
frustrated when they have
trouble accomplishing a
task on their own.

Determine what activities you are “ok” with your child trying on
their own, and which activities you prefer to supervise or assist
with. (Example: Crayons may be “ok” to use independently,
but you may want to limit the use of markers to when you can
intercept one from landing on the walls or furniture.)

Share lap time and read stories with your child. This
snuggle time reassures them that you are there for them
and strengthens their verbal skills.

Talk about limits and remind your child that they can always
ask for a helping hand.

“Let your child try something on their own, especially those things that you know they will succeed at,” Brenda Reiner, ECFE
teacher at Coon Rapids Preschool and Family Place, recommends. “This will increase their self-esteem and eagerness to try
more new things.”
Whether you are just approaching this age and stage, or fully immersed in it – don’t forget to celebrate the daily successes
of your child and your family. “Take time to enjoy the little things that bring your child joy – the special rock they found just
for you, or the hug that they gave you for no reason,” Reiner says. “Those little things will likely bring you joy, too!”
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