Wow the twos are tough!

[physmom]

How can I have a kid that throws a HUGE tantrum the second I turn off the light to put her to sleep but then 5-10 minutes later is having a wonderful discussion with me about how she wants to help people and be a doctor when she grows up before eventually drifting to sleep? 

How can that same child throw a huge tantrum because she doesn't want to go outside but then once we're out she sings and greets everyone that she walks past?

How can that same kid cry and jump and squeal like crazy every second we're washing her hair but afterwards be thrilled to put on her hooded towel and announce that she's supergirl?

How can that same kid also throw a tantrum when she needs to brush her teeth but happily brushes all her dolls' teeth? 

How can that same kid scream "I don't like papai!" or "I don't like grandma!" but also have a massive breakdown when they need to leave the house without her? 

How can that same kid join me in doing exercise videos and is a pro at the playground but at the same time always bumps her head on the same pieces of furniture all the time? 

How can that same kid scream that she doesn't want to eat and tries to hit the food but then when grandma gives it to her and I'm not in the room she eats the entire plate?

I'm starting to think that the only thing that is consistent with being a toddler is that you throw tantrums and do some incredibly cute things at times but never for the same things and never when we'd expect it!

Edited by physmom - 2/13/11 at 4:00pm

[Caterina]

This made me feel so much better. I feel like this is exactly what it's like at our house these days. She's an absolutely wonder that makes my heart melt with joy at her stories, her imagination, her kindness and love. And I want to tear my hair out in frustration and grumpiness multiple times a day. You really hit it with this, I'm going to read it to my husband.

[physmom]

I'm glad this could help you!  I actually thought of another one this morning:

How can DD get so upset about the injustice when someone moves her very gently out of the way because they "pushed" her but then freely hits everyone and everything when she's upset?
 

And, yes, that's exactly how DD is, so sweet and wonderful at times and then just minutes later I'm trying not to go insane.  Good luck surviving everything with your DD too!

Originally Posted by Caterina 

This made me feel so much better. I feel like this is exactly what it's like at our house these days. She's an absolutely wonder that makes my heart melt with joy at her stories, her imagination, her kindness and love. And I want to tear my hair out in frustration and grumpiness multiple times a day. You really hit it with this, I'm going to read it to my husband.

[Baby_Cakes]

oMGosh yesssss!  

It's insane!!  Like they totally run hot and cold and you just never know which version you're going to get!!!

[ann109]

Oh I wish I had some advice....but just comiserating!  I bought a bunch of books, if I read something that is  IMO useful, I'll post it:)  Good luck all!   

[hakeber]

It helps me to remember that they are very much like foreigners in a new land who do not speak the language very well and who do not understand the customs fully.

It helps me empathize with violent outbursts, temper tantrums, and mood swings.

It also helps me to remember that their tummies are the size of a crabapple and their limited motor develoment means quick exhaustion and frustration (sort of like when moving to a new climate or time zone).  I know as a foreigner living in a strange land who actually speaks the language pretty fluently that when I am hungry or tired I get less and less capable in that language and more and more prone to reverting to my own language (which sounds like gibberish to those around me) and temper tantrums (of the adult variety), so my kids are probably going to feel like that about 2 hours after a meal and about four hours after a nap.

It also helps me feel like he was less crazy and more logically responding.  So with DS instead of going What the?!!  I thought: "hmmmm how long has it been since his last nap?  Does he need a snack?  Maybe I am not listening very carefully here..."

It gets really hard at age five when they actually have more knowledge of the language and customs but still haven't got the motor skills or emotional control to communicate their needs.