Apr 21 2009
The Terrible Three’s
Soon after my daughters were born, other parents always said to me “wait until they hit the terrible two’s.” I’ve heard so much about that phase by the time their second birthday rolled around I held my breath. Here it comes. But nothing too bad happened. Then I thought that since my daughters were born nearly three months premature I needed to wait awhile. Still nothing. Sure, we had a few meltdowns along the way, but when my daughters learned a few words (”up”) and signs (”hungry,” “milk,” and “more”) those tantrums were few and far between. I patted myself on the back and laughed at the “terrible two’s.” Then they turned three and all heck broke loose. Whoever coined the phrase “terrible two’s” must have been in a world of hurt when their child turned three.
It’s not that my daughters are “terrible,” so to speak. They are just ready to push the limits. “No” is a common part of their vocabulary. They want to be independent, but when they want help they want it right now. They won’t take no for an answer, such as “no, do not stand on the back of the couch.” Instead, they need explanations: “If you stand on the back of the couch you might fall and get hurt.” The tantrums are more frequent and the causes can vary. It’s no longer an issue of communication. One day Roo was having a crying fit. When I finally got to the bottom of it I found out she was upset over something that had happened hours ago in school.They don’t want to listen. They’re still figuring out what it means to tell a fib.
Yet despite all its frustrations, three is a fun age. They still want to snuggle. They still fight over who will sit on mommy’s lap. They still think it’s fun to sing songs in the car. They get excited when we see bunnies while taking a walk in our neighborhood. They laugh at Hubby’s bad jokes.
Every age has its challenges. Some days it’s easier, some days it’s harder. I wonder what’s in store for us when my girls turn four.
18 Responses to “The Terrible Three’s”
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Yeah i heard that too. Terrible 3s worse than terrible 2 and you have to handle it with 4, that quiet challenging in your part but you can handle it. You are a supermom, we all are, hehe even if I only have 1.
Oh, anyone who can survive “toddlerhood” in general is a supermom, regardless of whether you have one or four!
Ahh yes the “I don’t care if I get hurt I still want to do it” response. One of my favorites. So if “4″ is the magic number I only have five months until things get easier!!!! Woo Hoo!!
Ivanhoe: I’m going to hold you to that and I’ll come find you if that’s not the case at age four : )
Stephanie: One of our daughters is “El Destructo,” but she’s getting better. She has finally figured out that if she destroys something it could be broken for good. And quite frankly I would love it if I could not only convince my daughters not to do something but have them try to discipline their friends, too.
Maryanne: It’s a frustrating age, but I know soon the little things are no longer going to excite them. It’s fun to watch them blossom and discover new things.
I totally hear you. Sam will be three this summer and he just starting to test my patience. I’m not looking forward to the next year or so!!
Ckcramer: It starts with testing your patience… pushing the limits to see what you will and will not let him get away with! You know, like telling you his toys are responsible for the mess in the playroom! LOL.
The Mother: Tame Twos, that about sums it up. Please don’t stress me out with the Awful Eights or the teen years in general.
Yeah, the two’s are just getting them warmed up for the three’s. I think it gets easier when they’re elementary age. Now I’m finding the need to be independent starts all over again when they are preteens, ugh.
You know, my daughter and I watch Super Nanny every week. I wish I would have watched it when my kids were little. We laugh at the toddlers who scream and throw fits! I think it would be a good episode for Super Nanny to visit a house with multiples. Now how would she make them all sit in their “naughty chairs” all at once?
I know exactly what you’re talking about! My oldest is 3.5 and I keep hearing how 4 is a so sweet - I hope “they” are right!
So what I’m gathering here is that in five months my daughters will magically be sweet little angels… until about age 12. Good to know.
Three may be the time when your girls are finding out they are separate people from you or your sisters. They need to test the world and see what they can do with it.
Be patient. Four is a great age.
Maxie
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