Terrible Twos
They says brace yourself once the infamous terrible twos arrive because it’s quite the ride. According to Healthline.com in their Parenting section, “terrible twos is a normal developmental phase experienced by young children that’s often marked by tantrums, defiant behavior, and lots of frustration.” It’s interesting to me because although it’s a difficult and frustrating stage in a child’s life, it’s also totally normal. That toddler is discovering new things everyday, he’s learning to become independent in his own little way. It’’s part of the growth process.
Thinking about this topic reminds me a lot of us, adults. How many of us are still stuck in the terrible twos stage? Oftentimes getting frustrated over things that are not happening according to our timeline. One day we’re happy as can be and the next day we are as throwing fits because again, things didn’t work out the way we expected them. Can anyone relate? Be honest. One thing that I’ve learned is that the terrible twos doesn’t necessarily have to happen at age two, it can range from 18-30 months, even up to age three. However, if we are being completely honest, toddlerhood traits can stick with us even throughout adulthood.
Life has battered many pretty bad and the response has been, “God, I don’t get it! When am I going to get a break? Why is this happening? You’re not working fast enough, I want to see a change now.” Maybe rebellion has set in and you’re attempting to do things your way because doing it God’s way (the right way) seems to be a waste of time. So you let go of your Father’s hand, or at least resist it as a toddler would.
Oh the terrible twos, we’ve all been there. Yes, all of us. If you’re reading this then you have been through this stage as a toddler, perhaps even now as an adult you’re noticing similar traits. I want to encourage you that just as this is a phase in life that passes as the child continues to develop and learn to verbalize and express himself; whatever difficult and frustrating thing you’re going through will also pass. Your Heavenly Father is patient and loving toward all of us— even through our temper tantrums. He will hold our hand through it all, even if we try to resist and let go of His. God will always be close enough to catch us when we fall, wiping our tears, cleansing our wounds and reassuring us that everything will be alright.
My mother says that I was a good kid but a very strong-willed toddler. It took love, patience and determination from both my parents to make me realize at such a young age that they knew what was best for me. At two years old, I didn’t know what I wanted, much less what I needed. Today is no different. I still don’t know what I want or need, that is why everyday I must surrender to my Heavenly Father’s will. I strongly believe that He is speaking to someone right now, someone who is not two years old, but may be 22, 42, 62 or whatever age you are. He is telling you, “I know what is best for you and I am here to exceed your expectations. Will you trust me”? Friend, allow Him lead you to where He wants to take you without questioning or fighting Him through the process. If you don't, you’ll just end up tired and frustrated. You will end up running back to Him because no matter how upset a child gets, he always ends up running back to mommy and daddy. Run to the Father, run to God today, not tomorrow, not next week, not next year, do it today. His arms are wide open, ready to embrace you and let you know the everything will be alright.
Now, why did I write this? You may ask. It’s pretty random, considering the fact that I don’t have any children to have had experienced this stage. Yes, I’ve been close enough to see it with my nephews but I know, I know it’s not the same and I can accept that. However, I can’t help to be reminded every time the month of August comes along, a new milestone is reached. August will forever be a special month for me. I write this because this month Josh and I would have been celebrating our child’s second birthday. Woohoo.. cheers to terrible twos or as my brother would rather call it, terrific twos! For all we know, we could have already been enduring this stage already. Allow my imagination wander for a moment, I can just imagine lots of crying, screaming, resisting.. all that fun stuff! Oh the joys of the terrible twos but I wouldn’t have traded it for anything in the world. Throughout this entire process, I’ve had my share of tantrums and frustrating moments with the Lord. However, I’ve come to the realization that He knows what’s best for my life and I’m at peace with knowing that. I trust Him wholeheartedly and I want His perfect will for my life. No longer do I want what I want, I want what God wants. That’s growth.
No longer do
I want what I want, I want what God wants. That’s growth.
For this month only, I am offering my book Silent Cries at a 20% discount in honor of my two year old toddler who is in heaven. This book has blessed and helped so many couples who are struggling with infertility and miscarriages, I am in awe of the testimonies that I constantly receive from women and men, married couples and singles as well. The reality is that regardless of how similar or different our journeys are in life, one thing is for sure, we’ve all experienced pain and we all have Silent Cries.
Bless someone you know or even yourself with this book, simply by visiting my online store in the tab above. Also, take a listen to the soundtrack of Silent Cries by the amazing Sarah Nathalié.
Before I sign off, I have two questions and I would love your feedback.
Moms, I would love to hear how you have handled your terrible twos with your little ones.? Your experience can certainly help other moms who are in that stage.
As an adult, how have you handled your tantrum moments? We are here to learn from each other and again, what you share can encourage and bless someone else who is going through the same thing. Feel free to share your experience.
As always, thank you for taking the time to read today’s blog.. until next time!
Be Encouraged, Be Blessed!
~landypf