I Don't Believe in the Terrible Twos!
Submitted by Roberta Brown
I think the terrible twos are a myth ... or at least a remnant of another time. I think that when I grew up, we were all terrible when we were 2, back in the days when Dr. Spock ruled the roost. But whatever sociological, environmental or developmental phenomenon caused that has shifted. And I am so, so tired of the knowing looks of grandparents and childless friends as they give voice to their sage insight: "Ah, the terrible twos." A child waking up grumpy from a nap or running in a random direction is not terrible—she's only 2.
Frankly, I miss 2. At 2 my son still thought I knew a lot. He still recognized that I was the boss. And he thought all of my ideas were neat.
Now, 3 ... that's another story.
The minute we got home, bored doing nothing, my daughter was happy as can be. Grrrrr.
It seems every parent I know breathed a sigh of relief the week of birthday number 3, thinking, "I've done it! I got past 2 without ever seeing anything too terrible—home free!" only to get hit square between the eyes a day later by 3. There is a clear moment when you say, "Time to put your shoes on, baby!" And suddenly, baby stops, turns like Clint Eastwood, and stares you in the eyes as it dawns on him: "Hey, that's just MOM'S idea. We don't all have to agree."
Three—it's the new two.
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