Terrifically, tumultuous twos

We've now reached the second year in our journey through social milestones of young children. Most people associate this age with the infamous "terrible twos". Life can be quite tumultuous when you're two, but it doesn't have to terrible. Armed with the right information and skills, I think any parent can turn this phase of development into the "terrific twos"!  Here are a few things to expect:

• Your two year old will begin to enjoy a wider range of relationships, but he will still feel strongly possessive of his family.
• His growing imagination may cause him to develop sudden fears that were not there before.
• Frustration tantrums peak, as does clinging and whining. However with patience and proper guidance, you will see greater independence and less separation anxiety as they approach their third birthday.
• Your child will begin to understand and respect simple rules around this age.
• He will enjoy playing interactive and circle games, such as "Ring Around the Rosey".

You can encourage your child's confidence and obedience during this phase by giving him opportunities to choose something related to the trouble area. For example, a child who is not wanting to go to bed could be offered a choice of which bed time story to read before going to sleep. I hope you'll leave some of your parenting ideas for this age as a comment below. Just remember that patience and consistency are your keys to making this stretch of road the "highway of terrific twos"!!