If you thought the newborn stage was the most challenging part of parenthood, wait for the “terrible twos.” You will likely hear many experienced parents say that this developmental phase is nerve-wracking. But what is the terrible twos meaning? What are some of the signs that your child is developing normally? What can you expect from the terrible twos? If you are wondering about these questions, you have come to the right place. This article explores the terrible twos meaning, including what you can expect from your baby during this period and what is considered “normal.” Before anything else, we recommend seeking out the expert guidance of a skilled pediatrician in Miami, Florida. By doing this first step, you will ensure that your baby is growing into a healthy and thriving toddler.
Keep reading to uncover the true terrible twos meaning.
What Are the Terrible Twos?
The terrible twos meaning is straightforward. This is an entirely normal and expected developmental phase young children experience that is typically characterized by defiant behavior, plenty of frustration, and regular tantrums. While the name of terrible twos suggests that the phase occurs when the child is two-years-old, this is not always the case. Namely, children can experience the terrible twos from as early as 18 months of age. Despite its name, children aged three can still have terrible twos. It’s true that the tantrums may persist, even if the child is older than three. However, these issues usually fade away on their own, and they become less frequent.
If you have any questions or concerns related to your child’s health and you want expert advice, there is no better expert than Dr. Hernandez-Puga. Book an appointment today and get questions such as “what are the terrible twos” and much more answered by the best professional in your area.
Are the Terrible Twos Really That Bad?
When your child is between the ages of one and three, they are referred to as a toddler. This developmental stage is characterized by physical and intellectual growth. A toddler may begin to:
- Talk and walk
- Learn about emotions
- Have opinions about the world around them
- Understand and even master how to take turns and share
During this developmental stage, the child will usually want to explore the surroundings independently. Moreover, the toddler will typically want to defy their parents. This is all expected and completely normal.
Nevertheless, since the child’s emotional, physical, and verbal skills are still underdeveloped, they may become frustrated quickly when they fail to perform a task or communicate properly.
Here are some examples of scenarios that can frustrate a typical two-year-old:
- Children may lack the patience to wait for their turns
- Children may not understand the concept of sharing or may have difficulties sharing with others
- Children usually don’t have the proper language skills to say what they want
- Children may overestimate hand-to-eye coordination, resulting in failing to catch an item or pour their own water
Has My Child Entered the Terrible Twos?
Now that you understand the answer to “what are the terrible twos?” one thing remains. How do you know that your child has entered this developmental stage? What are some signs you should look out for? Without a doubt, parents will know that the child has entered this developmental stage by analyzing behavior. In most cases, parents will notice a lot of frustration during this stage. Moreover, here are some other ways to identify the terrible twos.
The Usual Terrible Twos Tantrums
One of the most common signs that your child is frustrated is when they display tantrums. These can range from whining about completing meltdowns. Besides crying during tantrums, children may also become physical. Usually, terrible twos tantrums are accompanied by:
- Kicking
- Biting
- Hitting
- Throwing items
Terrible twos tantrums may seem endless, especially if you are a struggling new parent. However, findings from 2003 reveal that around 75 percent of tantrums in children between 18 to 60 months will fade away in five or fewer minutes. As for the gender ratio, facts show that tantrums are equally widespread in girls and boys.
Shifts in Mood Levels
One second the child could be loving and happy; the next, they are miserable and screaming. All of this is a normal byproduct of high frustration levels that result from not being able to do things independently.
Terrible Twos and Opposition
Each day, the child learns about the world around them. They are gaining new abilities and skills, so it is natural that they will want to explore the world around them. Due to this, children can begin to object to things that they used to agree to, such as holding the parent’s hands while crossing the street or allowing the parent to help them get dressed. As the child gains a more profound sense of independence, they will start to insist on doing things without the help of others.
Does My Child Have Behavioral Problems, or Is It the Terrible Twos?
While the terrible twos developmental stage is normal and usual, sometimes the behavioral issues can point to something more serious like a mental health complication. So, how do you know if your child is developing normally or if you need to seek out professional help? According to study findings that analyzed the temper tantrums in kids between three to six years of age, these are signs that could suggest conduct or mood disorder:
- The child displays frequent tantrums (tantrums that happen between 10 to 20 times daily)
- The child displays tantrums and tries to injure themselves
- The tantrums last more than 25 minutes
- The tantrums frequently include biting, hitting, and kicking
Remember, the study analyzed children over the age of two. If the tantrum types outlined above persist even if the child is older, they may be linked to other issues.
How Can I Manage Terrible Twos Tantrums?
Fortunately, there are some ways you can manage tantrums. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, these are some of the best techniques to try:
- Keep regular sleep and meal schedules, as you will ensure that the child is well-rested and fed.
- Refrain from spanking, hitting, or yelling at your child. Always model appropriate, nonviolent behavior.
- Keep simple and easy-to-understand rules.
- Allow the child to have some degree of control. You can make an offer between two things and allow them to choose one.
When Should I Seek Out Medical Help?
As mentioned many times before, tantrums and frustration are expected during this developmental stage. However, if the behavior is worsening or the parent feels overwhelmed, it may be time to talk to a skilled pediatrician.
Parents may seek expert help if they notice some or all of the following signs:
- The child refuses to make eye contact
- The child becomes withdrawn
- The child becomes violent or tries to harm others or themselves
- The child is extremely argumentative or aggressive
- The tantrums are leading to a lot of family stress
Give Us a Call Today
Parenthood can be tough, especially if you have no one to turn to for help. Luckily, we are here to help you. Book an appointment with the best pediatrician in Miami, Florida, to get started today.
