Being a parent to a child going through the infamous terrible twos is very frustrating. It is literally a freaky time in a parents life. A way that you can get through this is to realize that the child is going through WAY more than they can handle. They need you to be the adult and to guide them. They don't act like they want your guidance but they do.

It is a hard life when you just start to realize you have so many abilities and someone is always saying "NO". One way to handle this typical scenerio is to always give a number of choices. Example: "Do you want to wear this pink shirt, or is this purple one better for you today?" Or maybe this one, "Do you want peaches or pears with your spegghetti?" Rephrasing orders by giving a choice is very appealing for a two year old trying to claim his or her independance. The more choices given a day, the better life is for both of you. Find oppertunities for choices.

Another great idea is to help them name their feelings they struggle with so much. Say " You look upset that you cannot go outdoors in the rain" Or "You look very frustrated that the button on your clothes in stuck."

Don't forget to give yourself some time to breathe at the end of the day. Being a caregiver is exhausting and selfless. It is okay to make yourself a nice cup of coffee, even with whip cream on the top. You shouldn't share everything with your toddler. Some things are perfect just to yourself.

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