The terrible twos have arrived, how do you survive? Read this article for some insight and humor, and don't forget the coffee.
Think of the scariest movie you've ever seen and then multiple it by 100. Now, what if we told you that something even scarier exists? With only three words, you can conjure up every parent's worst nightmare.
If you're a mom, you can probably already guess where this is headed. That's right—the terrible twos.
Alright, we'll admit that the terrible twos aren't actually that terrifying. But even on your toddler's best days, it can still be rough. So, how exactly do you survive the terrible twos?
We're here to help you out. Keep reading below for our insight on dealing with the terrible twos!
Take Care of Your Wellbeing
The terrible twos take a toll on even the most levelheaded mothers. It's important to take care of your little one and yourself during this tricky phase.
One good way to keep your emotions well-regulated and keep your child on track is by creating a weekly schedule. Routines can help your child develop healthy habits and help them settle down, especially when it comes to bedtime. After all, a consistent bedtime routine helps set your child's internal clock, leading to better quality sleep.
A schedule can also keep moms happy and energized too. While a consistent sleep schedule may be more challenging as an adult, you can still form habits to keep yourself healthy.
Choose a day of the week to treat yourself to something—whether it's your favorite Starbucks drink or one of River Mouth's Too Much Toddler, Not Enough Coffee t-shirts.
Even a sliver of free time is considered a luxury for many mothers. Make time to indulge in your favorite hobby or pastime, even if it's only for a short 30 minutes.
Make Toddlerhood Easy
One of the telltale signs of the terrible twos is the onset of tantrums. As you enter the terrible twos, tantrums will likely become a common occurrence, as frustration levels in toddlers are high. They're often inevitable, but there are certainly better ways to handle them than others.
It's important to keep in mind that your toddler does not have a vendetta against you. Be honest—do you really think they're having fun screaming their head off?
Your child has finally entered a big intellectual and physical growth period, which leaves them wildly fascinated by the world around them. However, it's easy for them to grow frustrated.
One hindrance is a lack of refined motor skills—which many of us adults still struggle with! An easy way to combat this is by making child-safe objects and activities easily accessible.
Remember that your child still lacks strong language skills too, and they can grow upset if they cannot properly express themselves verbally. Work on vocabulary with your child to strengthen their language skills, but make sure you provide other ways to communicate wants and needs. After all, many children aren't very verbal until they feel fully confident in their language skills.
Surviving the Terrible Twos Like a Pro
No matter how many guidebooks you read, you'll never perfectly learn how to deal with the terrible twos—and that's okay! It's a never-ending practice in patience, but you and your child will both come out stronger and brighter because of it.
Plus, you're sure to make some unforgettable memories along the way, so keep those cameras and scrapbooks at the ready! With the tips above, you'll have a few more pointers under your belt when dealing with the terrible twos.
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