Maybe some parents don't know what phases will occur in children. One of the phases that will happen is terrible two. This term describes significant and rapid motor, intellectual, social, and emotional changes when children enter the age of 2 years. This phase often confuses parents until they are overwhelmed by the child's unpleasant behavior.
When the terrible two phases occur, the child still has an egocentric nature and feels everything is centered on himself. This is what makes the child often behave annoyingly. Even so, this phase is a normal part of child development. Let's find out what the signs are when a child is experiencing a terrible two-phase so that you, as a parent, can handle it appropriately.
Get to know what terrible two is
The terrible two phase is the phase that occurs when the child is 2 years old. Most children at that age show negative behavior, such as throwing things, biting, challenging, and throwing tantrums.
Even though this phase occurs when the child is 2 years old, it does not rule out the possibility that negative behavior can last for the next few years. Therefore, parents need to be extra patient and handle it appropriately so that the negative behavior that occurs does not last long.
Signs that the child is entering the terrible two phase
1. Tantrums
One of the things that often happens to children is tantrums, which are expressions of frustration that are expressed when children face challenges at certain times. Usually, tantrums occur when children are tired, hungry, thirsty, or sleepy.
Some of the behaviors in children with tantrums are kicking, throwing things, screaming, rolling, and hitting. Usually, this lasts about 5 minutes and occurs in children aged 18-160 months.
2. Mood swings
One of the symptoms of a child experiencing a terrible two phase is a change in mood that is so fast. For example, when a child is cheerful and behaves adorable, the child's mood changes drastically a few moments later. The child immediately cries, throws things, or engages in unpleasant behavior. This behavior usually occurs due to frustration when children cannot do something on their own.
3. Start the rejection
When experiencing the terrible two phases, children usually refuse some directions from their parents, like not wanting to be held by their hand when their parents want to help them in doing something like crossing the street, getting dressed, and so on. Children tend to insist on doing many things for themselves without considering whether they can do them by themselves.
How to deal with children with terrible two phase
- Avoid shouting or hitting because this can be used as an example by children.
- When children start behaving unpleasantly, turn their attention to funny and interesting things.
- Avoid things that trigger children to become tantrums, such as applying regular meals and bedtimes.
- Be consistent in applying the rules, such as telling you to hold hands if you want to cross the street.
- Let the children choose their choices and follow what they want as long as it is still reasonable, such as choosing clothes to wear.
- Don't scold him in public when the child whines, asking for something at the toy store. Wait until the child calms down because the tantrum only takes about 5 minutes.
So, here is an explanation of the terrible two phases and how to overcome them. Keep in mind that this phase is a normal thing that occurs in child development.
Hope it helps!