"Terrible" Two's Tuesday

I am considering making a weekly installment.  Terrible Two's Tuesday.  Here I will let you in on something or things that have happened over the last week that would fall into the "Terrible Two's" category.  I have a two year old and I hate the phrase "Terrible Two's"' however, it is the best way to describe what is going on sometimes.  

"Terrible Two's" is a result of frustration.  In the two year old's head he or she is trying to communicate something to you - and it is not working.  They get frustrated you are not understanding what they need and you get frustrated that you can't figure out what they need.  It could also come out in frustration when they want to do something for themselves and they can't quite get it.  This causes them great frustration because they want to be independent and it causes you frustration because they will not let you help them with what they need.  

Now before I get all the messages - I am not saying Kaitlyn is terrible.  In fact, my little girl is far from terrible.  Quite honestly, two's have not been all that bad.  I would even venture to call them terrific twos, because my 2 year old is just being 2. She has her good days which far out weigh her bad days.  She is a ham and a half with an amazing personality.  Terrible is not a word I would use to describe her at all.  

When someone says, "Oh looks like Terrible Two's."  It takes everything in my power and then the power of God to keep me from socking them in the face!  Okay I am not speaking literally, but I seriously want to give that person a tongue lashing!  How dare you speak that my child or any child is being terrible?  Have you ever looked at yourself when you are at the end of your rope and your patience is just fried?  That is what is happening here.  

So here is what happened today - sparking this idea.  Let me set the scene for you.  We just got home from running errands, I made lunch for all of us.  Kaitlyn is sitting at her princess table.  I am on the couch feeding the Alex.  Kaitlyn looks at me and this conversation begins.

Kaitlyn: "Tay yer"

Me: "What honey?"

Kaitlyn: "Tay yer"

Me: "Tay yer? I don't know what that means sweetie."

Kaitlyn:  "Tay yer" (Do you see where this is going?)

Me: "Tiger?" 

Kaitlyn: "Tay Yer" (Okay she is adding emphasis, but what is Tay yer?)

Me: "Tigger?"

Kaitlyn: "Tay yer"

Me: "Kaitlyn I don't know what you are trying to tell me.  Can you show me what you want?"

Kaitlyn:  Looking toward the patio doors.  "TAY YER"

Me: "Kaitlyn what do you need?"

Kaitlyn: "TAY YER" (Finally I think I got it.)

Me: "Oh Taylor?"

Kaitlyn: "Tay yer" While nodding her head.

Me: "Sweetie Taylor is not outside right now, maybe you can play with her after nap."

It sometimes takes time.  It always takes patience.  You will figure out what they need.  Just remember, they are 2 for 365 days.  Enjoy them as much as possible.