Shut it. Please. Only please because I am teaching manners.

Zach is a 19 month old boy. I never really believed in terrible twos because Brian and I think it's just how you raise your children. I still believe that. But I do believe that terrible twos are mainly caused by a toddler wanting to learn, discover and explore on their own, but we as parents feel that they are to young to do all that on their own and we like to have all the power. So that's what terrible twos become. A power struggle. If you have ever spent more then a few hours with Zach, you quickly learn that he is one of the most well behaved, kind, outgoing and smart boy his age. I may be biased, I may not be. I just have random kids I assume his age to compare against. But we have our struggles as mom and son. I never knew how hard it would be to work from home, and be a full time mom at the same time. He doesn't understand that after his nap we get to play, read books, go on walks and color, but until then, I have to work. I don't understand why he is whining and staring at the fridge until I ask if he wants a drink. No. A carrot. No. A cheese stick. No...this goes on until I get to pickles. Yes. (He is a George). I look at him, get down to his level and explain that we don't whine for things, then have him practice saying pickle, cause its such an easy word....and then we say sorry, hugs and kisses and move on to the next misunderstanding.
So because of this misunderstanding, we have lots of fits, and lots of timeouts. But we also have lots of stories, hugs, and kisses. And as a teacher, I am constantly looking for how he is learning. Well, he obeys me. Time outs consist of sitting in front of the fridge, because that is consistent regardless of who's home we are at. Everyone has a fridge. He can have a timeout at anyone's home. But he is learning what a time out is. No kitty in time out either. He stays there. Yes my one year old will not move from timeout till I come get him....60 seconds later. He is learning to control his feelings, learning how to wait for things, and learning to communicate better. He is amazing. Everyday he amazes me.
But none the less, this age is tough. But SUCH a joy as well. Because of the power struggle and the constant growth in his mental capability, his personality is EXPLODING. his imagination is pouring out, and his understanding of others feelings are starting to emerge.
So do I believe in terrible twos? No. I believe that during this age and for years to come, we as parents will grow, as will Zach and its a learning curve. He is learning how Brian and I do and handle things, and is learning to communicate with us, as we are with him. Let the good times roll. Love his guts. Brian and I are doing the best we can, and can't be judged negatively on that unless our parenting starts affecting other people and their families. Thanks, enjoy, I have another one to post tonight....