I thought it was just a myth, like the Loch Ness or Yeti.
But, friends – I am here to tell you that it’s not.
Terrible two’s are real – and I hear that three’s are even worse.
The tantrums are getting pretty intense. There is a lot of kicking the walls – so much that sometimes I think he might make holes. There’s crying – but not just any kind of crying – the cry that’s mixed with a loud screeching yell. It’s not pretty. Sometimes he’ll cry so hard that he starts coughing – like he’s going to throw up.
Luckily, he doesn’t throw too many tantrums out in public. Sure, he’ll cry – but he knows that if he’s yelling or screaming we will just get up and leave wherever we are.
Sometimes it’s hard to tell whether he is upset about something – or just frustrated that he can’t communicate with us. We are going to be working on his communication skills and start using more sign language and even cards with images on them so he can express his needs.
But on the rough days, because there are many of them – the best you can do is try to not pull your hair out, take a deep breath, and get through the difficult time. Because it WILL pass.
My son is three in September and we are just starting to go through this. I guess I got lucky through most of two! It does seem to have a lot to do with communication. My son communicates well but when his emotions are all riled up its as if he forgets and screaming, screeching, and yelling are all he can manage. So far we have tried getting down to his level and communicating that although we understand his frustration at any given situation, the behavior is not acceptable followed with a time out if he continues. That seems to be working almost as a “reset” button of sorts. We do have to struggle to keep him in time out but we stand firm and patient….. Ok, maybe not on the inside ๐ some people have told me the time out thing will quit working eventually so I’m not looking forward to that!
Oh gosh… can I just give you a big huge virtual hug. It feels good to know that I’m not the only one dealing with such a stinker! It’s no fun at all! I wish I had some awesome, amazing advice to give you… but as you know I’m dealing with the same thing! At least we have each other to vent to!
I’m right there with you. My so turned two a month ago and he’s done non stop whining, hitting, pinching, kicking, scratching, pulling hair and crying. You name it- it it’s bad, he does it. He also is in a new stage where he doesn’t want to go to sleep unless we are right there next to him. The minute we leave his room, he cries and does not stop. This can’t be forever, right? We’ll get through it. Hang in there!
Amanda
The Pretty Pinhead
Twos are so awful & threes are worse! I wish I could give you advice but, there really isn’t any! What I can do is give you a virtual hug, offer you a glass of wine & a shoulder to cry on for those extra frustrating days! Stay strong love!