The Terrible Twos

The Terrible Twos

Mamas: I am writing to you from the trenches. There is screaming, gnashing of teeth, fit-throwing, tears, and snotty noses that run at the sight of tissues. There are daily meltdowns over the most random things. I am in the throes of the terrible twos.  

This is the stage of toddler life we all dread. It could test the patience of any saint and cause the most devout Christian to drop a few bad words. In my opinion, a two-year-old’s newfound independence paired with the inability to communicate and reason is why the terrible twos are so terrible. 

Three’s a Charm, Right?

Three kids into motherhood, and I can honestly say this is the first time I’m experiencing the terrible twos at this level. Don’t worry though, I am definitely making up for that lost time.  

Life in the terrible twos season offers good days and bad days. Our good days consist of sharing, playing sweetly with our siblings, and using our manners. But the bad days are really bad days.

No Rhyme or Reason

Operating off the mindset of never-back-down, we yell, scream, and defiantly lie on the floor. We turn the kitchen walls into coloring pages and use the word “no” in response to every question. Rhyme or reason become nonexistent when you’re haggling it out with a two-year-old. Everyone knows you cannot reason with an angry toddler. My philosophy is to never negotiate with a terrorist. After all, that is the American way.

Sometimes, Enough is Enough

She wanted to go on a car ride but is now “baby hulk-smashing” because how dare mommy buckle her in the car seat! And on this episode of “why my two-year-old is crying,” Daddy has a beard and she doesn’t . . . Woe is me.

Sneaking into the pantry and partaking in a snack? Now that I can handle. And I can moderately handle squishing my expensive makeup into the bathroom floor. I may have developed a slight twitch the day she colored on my Macbook. Even after watching her plow over big sister with a Power Wheels princess carriage, I still managed to hold it together.  

I want to give my drama-bomb daughter the opportunity to explore her newfound confidence and independence. I would, however, prefer to keep my sanity during this delicate process. We all reach that brink, and I’m a few bad days away from being there. 

Parenting is like being lost at sea, attempting to keep everyone above the water without any form of life-saving equipment. It is not for the faint of heart. Just as you begin to figure out this whole parenting thing, the terrible twos will be one of many reminders that none of us know what we’re doing. No amount of books, reading, or counseling can prepare you for the baby meltdown that happened on grocery store aisle seven today.

You just have to allow those moments to run their course and rest solely on the thought that one day, this season will pass. So hunker down and prepare yourself for the ride, because ready or not, the terrible twos are a part of motherhood.

How did you deal with the terrible twos at your house? I’d love to hear any tips and tricks!