Mum had some of her buddies over the other day for tea, and they tried to distract me with some Play Doh whilst all they did was gossip about me. I mean really Mum, I’m in the room is there really a need to tell all of them from my bowel habits to what I wear at night. Seriously Mum’s like the local paper, nothing gets past her.

But one of mum’s friends was warning her about the “something called the terrible twos”. What really does that auntie mean?. I display impeccable behaviour at the best of times.  Is she talking about when I wake up with a happy smile and then Mum decides to put the Bob the builder T-Shirt on me and I was feeling like  the “Hulk” T would be more appropriate and rather than calm say, I just screaming for an hour until Mum looks like she’s going to run away from home. No that wasn’t a tantrum, I was just being passionate about my attire for the day..just ask Coco Channel, Victoria Beckham, fashion  is  life. I mean I realize I could have handled to situation a bit more better when Mum said it was time to go home after a lovely day morning swimming. Look I just wasn’t ready I was going to do a few more laps, followed by some tumble turns, then I was going to get that water gun and squirt my friend in the face.

See I had my morning planned out and what does Mum do, drag me out. I wasn’t going to go quietly, yes I admit there was shouts and screams, maybe a few bites commited on Mum’s arms along the way to the changing room. Mum did look a bit sheepish since everyone was staring. But look I’m a star Mum, this is typical Hollywood/Bollywood/Collywood,  kinda of behaviour is expected from us loud personalities. Mum’s not given up so easily, after some consultation with her evil friend, she’s decided to use the naughty step method. Really mum was I naughty to throw all my food on the floor, because you said I had to eat my carrots…carrots are for rabbits, do you really want me to look like Bugs Bunny.

Anyways Mum’s quite good at following the naughty step through, so here I now sit, on the famous naughty step ashamed and humbled at my behaviour. I scream and yell for awhile, but Mum doesn’t bat an eyelid, is yoru heart made of glass Mum, I’m crying..I’m sad. Throught the tears and the snot I slowly peer at Mummy to see any of my distress is having an effect on Mum. Nope she’s blowing soap bubbles with Big Sister, oouuu that looks like so much fun. But I started this crying thing Mum, now I must  follow through. My voice hits a new screeching level, Lionel is going to be so proud of me when he comes over to Sri Lanka next week, will he need back up singers, I can volunteer,Hello…Lionel, is it me you’re looking for?...I’m, still learning to dance on the ceiling but I can do it!!..coming back to my tantrum filled moment..Mum and Big Sister are now eating popsicles, I give in “I’M SWOARRY MUMMY, PLEASE LOVE ME AGAIN!!!”

The terrible twos

The terrible twos are a normal stage in a toddler's development characterized by mood changes, temper tantrums and use of the word "no." The terrible twos typically occur when toddlers begin to struggle between their reliance on adults and their desire for independence. One minute a child might be clinging to mom or dad, and the next he or she is running in the opposite direction. While the terrible twos can be difficult for parents and caregivers to navigate, keep in mind that 2-year-olds are undergoing major motor, intellectual, social and emotional changes. Their vocabularies are growing, they're eager to do things on their own, and they're beginning to discover that they're expected to follow certain rules.

What to do when the terrible two’s hit.

If your child is in the midst of the terrible twos, expect that you'll occasionally lose patience with each other. Try to stay calm, however. When your child has a temper tantrum, offer comfort or ignore the behavior. Try to limit your use of the word "no." Instead, use other forms of discipline, such as redirection or humor. Also, consider avoiding challenging situations — such as going shopping during your child's nap time — and be sure to praise your child for appropriate behavior By accepting the changes your child is going through and showing him or her love and respect, you'll help your child make it through this difficult stage with confidence.

By Mayuri Jayasinghe