TERRIBLE TWOS

Look how happy Ty is playing in the water....We're having a great ime...
BAAMM! The boy doesn't get his way and this is what happens...

(I do have to give him some credit..He is in "time-out" in this picture..and sitting perfectly with his legs crossed and his hands in his lap) It amazing to me that he can listen/obey and throw a fit at the same time. WHAT SKILLS!! LOL

I thought my child would be different. I have a lot of knowledge, expertise, and experience in child development especially working with kids who have behavior and developmental issues. I've gained control of the uncontrollable kids, parents have come to me about advise and suggestions on parenting, I am successful and respected at work. I was all just wishful thinking. I just DREAMED that if I did all the right things..That he would be so great he would just skip this whole terrible twos stage. There's something magical about a child turning 2 and how they grow so independent and subborn practically overnight. This is a reality check for the life of a two year old. One minute they are happy and having a great time...You're having SOO much fun together and you think to yourself....man I have one really good cute litte kid. Then within a blink of an eye it all can change. And the screaming fit begins. The month of March has brought about an all time high for those ear piercing moments. Not to say they didn't happen before now (18-20 months was difficult as well) but now they are so unpredictable. For example yesterday I went to the Dr. Office and Ty did so great he listened and obeyed and was so cute and friendly. When the doctor came in Ty stayed in his chair to color....all was right with the world ( I wasn't feeling good but my child was being an angel in public under little instruction..that makes a mother proud!) However the world turned black in an instant as I told him it was time to clean up his markers and go home..ohhh the screaming rang through the Dr. office. Several people tried to console him...while I ignored it, grabbed his hand and told him to put a bubble in it (AKA- to fills his mouth with air making a bubble...it's our way of saying "be quiet" or "put a sock it!"). We go to the check out and he continues to whine...the secretary gets him a sticker and Ty is still not over his mood and refuses to say thankyou. I told him he could not have the sticker until he told her thankyou..(I was prepared to walk-out) after a defiant 5 second pause....he finally gives in and gets his sticker. As we walk out the door I do something silly and he's laughing again!!! The world is in balance again. The ups and downs of emotions...it's a roller coaster.

This has got to be the hardest part of parenting yet. We transitioned months ago from just taking care of him (as a baby) to teaching and discipling...that's a is tough jump as a parent.

I know what all of you "former parents" are going to say..because I've siad it a hundred time. Trust me I am consistant, spanking and time-out take place in a variety of situations and locations (there is no safe zone for the boy). And I have a great support in Jeff, in that we share similar parenting styles. But most importantly I am more stubborn then that boy will ever be....and he WILL listen and obey:)