Is your child going through the dreaded “Terrible Two’s?” If so, take heart! You can not only survive, but also delight in, this important stage! Here are a few simple tips to help your journey through the “terrible two’s” be a much smoother one.

Develop a Routine for your Toddler

I have found that my children behave much better if their daily life involves a routine. Sticking to a routine helps me to feel better too! We eat a regular times, go to bed and wake up at basically the same time each day, even on weekends, and have a regular “nighttime” routine that helps everyone settle in to sleep each evening. A well-rested, well-fed family is usually a much happier one.

Have a Sense of Humor

I tell my husband that sometimes we have to make the choice to either laugh or cry. My oldest son breezed through the “terrible two’s” in flying colors. My youngest son, however, is camped out there. He didn’t go through the “terrible two’s” – we are instead in the midst of the “Terrible One through Four’s.” When he started snatching raw eggs from the refrigerator, I just knew it was time to laugh. That doesn’t mean that I allow him to continue to do so, but knowing that raw eggs do very much look like balls…. I found the humor. Find the humor and use it to help you cope with your toddler’s explorations. Chances are their explorations are not mean-spirited, but instead are driven simply by curiosity.

Toddler Distractions

Toddlers love to stay busy. In fact, if they don’t have any constructive ideas for how to stay busy, they will certainly create other ideas! I have found that having a few simple “go to” ideas for times like this is invaluable:

• Large cardboard boxes for creating great tunnels and forts
• Old pots and pans for pretend cooking
• Dress-up in old hats, shoes, and scarves
• Looking at photo albums

Nurture your Toddler

Moms have a million things to do each day, but sometimes toddlers just need your one-on-one attention. They long to be held, cuddled, kissed, hugged, read to, and loved. What could be more important in your day than taking time to love and nurture this little life? It will be a blessing to you both.

Treasure Hunt

Sure, kids love to hunt for buried treasure, but this treasure hunt is for you, Mom and Dad! Your child is displaying curiosity, a love for adventure, interest in learning, and independence. Although these qualities may push you to the brink of insanity right now, foster them in your children! Instead of seeing these qualities as negative ones, remember that these very qualities are what will make your child a great leader and an independent adult. Seek out that treasure in your child and shine it until it sparkles like gold!

Photo provided by Flickr