Whoever named it terrible twos should have named it terrible always after 2! I don’t know which one is worse. A or P? For A it’s all pretty new. Throwing tantrums, being stubborn, and all the terrible things that the two year olds do. But for P….. it’s been over 5 years and I still don’t see any sign of the “terrible” going away. There are still lying on the floor crying tantrums, even more stubbornness,….. and all the terrible things 2+5 year olds do. 

I thought as they grow older they start understanding more. So if you reason things with them they will understand. But after agreeing to everything and supposedly understanding everything it’s a complete U-turn when it’s time for compliance. And like what do you do? I’ve tried reasoning, explaining, making stories, giving examples….. and scolding! ( was I on a no yelling on my kids thingie a month back? 🤔) nothing seems to work. 

So we had a guest over for dinner last night and before she came I had explained very patiently to P that even though the guest is going to be there, you have to go to bed on time coz you have school tomorrow. Like a proper obedient kid she nodded her head and said. Yes ma I will. And what happens when it’s time for compliance?? All promises forgotten. I only get whispering in my ear that remember last time I slept late? I still woke up on time for school. Of course you woke up!! What happens after that is what terrifies me. You don’t get proper sleep and by the time it dinner time you are so tired and cranky that you don’t eat properly and create a fuss for everything and then again you won’t sleep on time because tomorrow is Saturday 🙄….. and the cycle continues.  She finally agreed to read a sleepytime story and sleep at regular bedtime because she couldn’t keep her eyes open any longer. 

The one thing I have realised in the 7 years of being mom is that you give them food on time and keep their sleep schedule on time and they are happy. Schedules go here and there and boom. From terrible they start becoming terrifying.  (I will have more on this tomorrow)