Advertisement
Find out how to head off unruly behavior
Does this sound familiar? Your cute-as-a-button 2-year-old asks for candy in the check-out line at the grocery store. You say no. What happens next is the stuff of parent nightmares: Your child melts into a screaming, crying heap right before your eyes — capturing the interest of ALL of your fellow shoppers.
Advertisement
Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Policy
Ah, the “terrible twos.” While the phase won’t last forever, it sometimes can feel like it will never end. In the meantime, it’s a good idea to have some strategies for handling your toddler’s unruly behavior.
For every child who seems to skip the meltdown stage altogether, there’s another whose terrible two phase seems to last for years. “While most children fall somewhere between those extremes, it is very common for children to go through a phase of unruly behavior somewhere between the ages of 18 months and 4,” says pediatrician Mary Wong, MD.
“The toddler years are a time of rapid growth — physically, mentally and socially,” she says.
During this time, most toddlers develop their sense of self and start to want to do things independently.
“When a toddler’s desire to do something doesn’t align with their ability, frustration is often the result,” Dr. Wong says. “To further compound things, toddlers typically don’t have the language skills to ask for help if things don’t go smoothly.”
This gap between desire and ability can cause frustration, unruly behavior (like biting other children) and tantrums.
“While there is no quick fix for undesirable toddler behavior, you can take steps to help things go more smoothly when the terrible twos emerge,” Dr. Wong says.
Advertisement
When misbehavior strikes, it’s helpful to remind yourself that you aren’t alone.
Rest assured, “Your child won’t still be going through this phase when they go off to college,” Dr. Wong says.
Advertisement
Learn more about our editorial process.
Advertisement
Setting specific expectations and praising good behavior are crucial to cultivating discipline
‘Active shooter’ exercises may raise both awareness and anxiety
Stay calm, don’t give in and try to refocus their attention
Integrating coping skills into your teen’s daily routine helps turn self-care into a lifelong healthy habit
Tantrums and meltdowns are normal, but you can help your child manage their bigger emotions
Talking in the car, resisting the urge to judge and asking specific questions can help rebuild rapport
Yes, it’s safe for babies starting at about 9 months old and can help clear nasal mucus
Local LGBT centers, online directories, visual cues and gender-affirming care or non-discrimination policies can all be helpful resources and cues
Focus on your body’s metabolic set point by eating healthy foods, making exercise a part of your routine and reducing stress
PFAS chemicals may make life easier — but they aren’t always so easy on the human body
While there’s little risk in trying this hair care treatment, there isn’t much science to back up the claims