at what age does "the terrible two's " begin. My son is 20 months old and he has been throwing a lot of tantrums lately. Or could this be because I go to school in the evenings and he is mad at me for leaving him with his Grandma?
2006-06-28 09:34:31 · 21 answers · asked by chelseamom1 2 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Parenting
I would say they can start as early as like 15 months all the way to about 4 years old.
2006-06-28 09:37:50 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 1⤋
The terrible two's don't start on their second birthday. That is just an estimate. It can be anywhere from 12 months to 3 years (and the horrible three's come after the terrible two's). It is all part of the growing process. A tantrum is generally caused by the child feeling so many emotions or such intense emotion that he is not able to deal with yet. This "system overload" develops into a tantrum or any other method of releasing the intense emotions before he reaches "critical mass." Tantrums are a normal part of growing up.
When my kids had their tantrums, I would put them on the floor in their room and shut the door. That way, they could have their tantrum, but they would be in a quiet area to de-stress and they were not getting additional attention for the behavior. They quickly learned to deal with the emotions and quit having the tantrums.
Good luck to you.
2006-06-28 16:47:20 · answer #2 · answered by MJL613 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well, I can tell you that my daughter started tantruming around 18 months. It wasn't really 'terrible' until 23 months, and then I knew for sure we were in the 'terrible twos.'
It could be that he's throwing tantrums because he's mad you're gone, but kids learn that moms and dads go and then come back. They have to learn it. Don't feel guilty or bad for not being home at night. You're doing a good thing for yourself and your son by going to school! :)
2006-06-28 16:43:00 · answer #3 · answered by ABBMAMA 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
My second daughter started really showing signs of the terrible two's at between 20-22 months. She was and still is (at 26 months) very strong willed and independent in doing everything herself, I don't think that he's punishing you, but testing you. Grandma may have different rules at her house and he's testing you to see how much he can get away with! The trick is NOT to give into the tantrums, that is very difficult to begin with, but you just have to learn to not be embarrassed and know that most of the people around you when he throws the tantrum have already gone through it with their own kids!
2006-06-28 16:44:22 · answer #4 · answered by Donna H 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, I agree that is depends on the child.
My daughters are 3 and 22 months. They are like night and day. The younger one is tough. She's a fighter.
Don't give into tantrums. Best thing to do is walk away. They do it to get attention. If they don't get it, they will stop.
Every age is another stage. I'm betting this is the easy part. Talk to the mother of a teenager and you'll feel a lot better about your situation.
You should be proud of going back to school and not feel guilty.
Good Luck!
2006-06-28 16:56:51 · answer #5 · answered by Babyred 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have found that the "terrible 2's" can start as early as 15 months and last up until 6 or 7 years old. I spent lots of time in prayer! :)
2006-06-28 16:40:09 · answer #6 · answered by Gwendolyn W 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
the terrible twos can hit as early as 18 months (and last until 3 or 3 1/2 for some kids!) so I would think your son is just trying to figure out how to express himself and his feelings since he doesn't always have the words for it. Good luck!
2006-06-28 16:37:53 · answer #7 · answered by pammy_6201 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
'terrible two's' doesn't necessarily mean that the child has to be two years. My daughter is 2 now and she started 'tantrum throwing' long b4 she became 2. I didi not leave her to go to work early, i stayed home for a while. i may not know the exact reason for this kind of behaviour.grandmoms r very nice ppl.(they spoil grnkids)don't blame urself for this, it's a phase they go thru
2006-06-28 16:53:49 · answer #8 · answered by tilly 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
i think the terrible two's is just an expression to prepare parents. It can happen at any age. Don't feel guilty for going to school. i went through the same thing. And I think it was all in MY head. In the end, your kids will be proud of you. Just finish! My son went through it at three. Your kid is probably finding a new way to express himelf. don't give them any attention and it won't last long. Reward the good behavior and have patience!
2006-06-28 16:42:31 · answer #9 · answered by mandisue2001 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think the "terrible two's" is just when it really peaks! Or when it is most noticiable or constant. 18 months or so is when is can start. Every child is different. As to how long it can last, does it ever? I have a 2 year old and a 12 year old, and let me tell you, it is always something!
2006-06-28 16:42:31 · answer #10 · answered by griz 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Terrible twos...well i have to say they are not terrible i say it is when they figure what gets to mom and dads. They are testing their boundaries with us and make sure he doesn't get a reaction to his tantrums. I found talking to my son when he would try that works but if nothing walk away.
2006-06-28 16:42:50 · answer #11 · answered by MissesK 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋