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A Stupendous Second Year
The Joy of Having a 2-Year-Old
By Shannon McKelden
Lynda Vernalia of Lowell, Mass., finds that everything about her 20-month-old daughter, Irene, makes her smile, as she grows into her own little person. "Miss Independent does not always hold my hand, but even she admits that she needs assistance sometimes and that moment is so precious!" she says. "If it weren't for the occasional tantrum, right now she is ideal!"
While it's true that your toddler is approaching what has been termed the terrible two's, don't panic. It can still be an amazingly wonderful time.
"This is the age when kids can begin to understand why it's OK to do something and why it's not OK to do something," Hayes says. "Setting clear limits becomes a way for a child to feel secure as she ventures out into the larger world."
Hayes admits that little ones at this age will still "test" the limits to see what happens if they do something when they've been told they shouldn't. "That's when you step in to gently reinforce – 'NO, you can't go there, you can't do that' – it's outside the limits," she says. "Once those limits are clear to your child, she will feel more confident exploring the big new world inside those safe boundaries."
Hayes also reminds parents of the fascinating changes their child is going through at this stage. "You will be amazed by [your toddler's] developing confidence and courage as she sets out to master the challenges that fill that ever-enlarging space, knowing that you will be there, at the center, to keep her safe," she says.
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