The Terrible 2's

by Emily Martin
(Vienna, West Virginia)

Are the terrible 2's real? I have a 22 month old daughter that is amazing and adorable but in the last few weeks she has become Dr. Jeckle and Mrs. Hyde! One second she is smiling and laughing and the next she is screaming and throwing a huge fit!

She is so intelligent and understands EVERYTHING we say! She's starting to speak more fluently, as well. However, she is extremely defiant and dangerously independent.

No type of discipline works either! I have tried time outs of a minute (a min for each year of age.) I have tried getting down on her level and speaking calmly to her. I have tried counting to 3. Nothing works! She either throws herself on the ground, screams louder or literally runs away ignoring every word I say. We can't play outside anymore, go out shopping, she won't stay in her stroller or in a grocery cart - she stands up and climbs out.

What can we do? My husband and I are at our wits end... any suggestions will be more than welcome.

Thanks,
Emily and Brock Martin