Toddler personality change, nearing age two? Is this normal?

[scrandall1173]

I just need to ask someone, anyone...is this normal?  My dd is 23 months.  Over the past couple weeks she has become very short of patience-- more than her usual toddler self.  Sometimes I think her teeth are bugging her, but ibuprofen doesn't help...sometimes I think she's tired but then she doesn't nap...sometimes I think she's hungry but the mood doesn't change after eating.  Even the neighbor girl across the street has noticed the difference.

She wants me to hold her A LOT more.  I'm usually able to do this, but sometimes I'm not if I'm standing over the stove or have an armful of laundry.  She just falls apart when this is the case. 

I'm pregnant- due in February.  Part of me wonders if she's sensing this?  Part of me thinks she's frustrated that I don't understand more of her communication?  I practice Attachment Parenting and these days I just feel like an utter failure, and a really confused mama.

I thought the terrible two's were a myth, but now I'm wondering.....

Thanks for any feedback.

[Aliy]

ah mine is 25 months and yes he has been being really clingy lately. I'm due in March. part of i think is two and part is i think the baby due...

His behavior is so unsual lately.... he is demanding irrational, emotional, and just not being himself

[Biscuits & Gravy]

DS is the same age, and what you are describing sounds very familiar. He is constantly begging me to hold him, especially when I'm trying to get things like dinner done. I have always worn him on my back, but now he is insisting "NO BACK. Shoulder.", meaning he wants me to hold him in my arms or use a ring sling, which doesn't allow me to get things done! He gets very frustrated. I think it might have to do with the fact that he is suddenly so verbal and can finally use his words to communicate, but at the same time he still can't communicate everything he wants to. And when he does communicate he expects what he wants and says to be followed. For example, he can ask for a cookie "Mommy, cookie, please???" but gets super frustrated when I tell him he can't have one because we are ready for dinner. In his mind I think he sees that him being able to ask, and ask nicely at that, means he should get what he wants. Tantrum ensues. I just tell him that I understand he wants a cookie, but it is not time for a cookie it is time for dinner. He gets upset, I keep reassuring him that I understand him, but I don't give in. IMO he is testing limits, and I need to establish what those limits are for him.

[scrandall1173]

Thanks for both of those replies!  After reading them, I'm becoming more convinced that it's a communication/testing boundaries period of life.  DD is very frustrated when I don't understand her.   I have been doing the same thing...telling her I understand but still setting the limits that she needs.  I try to give her lots of freedom the rest of the time. 

So it's just a crazy stage, eh?  That alone gives me some relief.  I was hoping the craziness wouldn't arrive until the baby came, when I was expecting it!  Oh well, that's parenthood, isn't it?  Expecting the unexpected and accepting those things we just can't control.  Boy is it tough!

[pantrygirl]

I agree with the other posters.  My daughter's personality changed slightly when she turned two.  I believe it was spurts of independence and growth spurts.  She goes from clingy to wanting her space.  Her latest in her development is authority.  She's very instructive  .  It's sometimes cute like when she requests DH and I kiss and hug before we leave the house.  It sometimes tests our patience like when she has to put on her own clothes even if she's tried for the last 20 minutes and needs a little assistance. 

[scrandall1173]

Oh boy!  Sounds like we're in for a ride :)  My dd also has become "instructive".  In her toddler English she appeared to be lecturing her 15 mo old friend on how to play with various toys.  I have to admit it was super cute.  I wondered if I look like that when I give her instructions.  She looked like a flight attendant preparing the guests for take off. :)