Many people call the twos (the second year of life) the “Terrible Twos.” I’ve never really understood that, for me it’s always been an enjoyable time (the threes on the other hand is a different story, but I’m sure I’ll touch upon that later)! I find the twos to be very fun, I feel like my children have all started to get their own unique personality at that time! Yes they do tend to test their independence and authority, but I guess if you have a good attitude and hold firm to your loving boundaries, then it can make this stage much more enjoyable! One way to stop irritating behaviors is to encourage them.” (121). It is good to know that the lessons we teach (consciously and unconsciously) to our children pave the way for how our children will deal with authority for the rest of their lives! “The best predictor of an out-of-control teenager is a 2 year old who runs the house.” (120)

We need to strive to become loving authority figures; we need to handle our children without “breaking a sweat!” “Wise parents know that the first step toward getting their toddlers to behave in public is getting them to behave at home.” (122). In order to become loving authority figures, Jim and Charles Fay suggest giving:
1. unconditional love & respect (they command respect, because they offer it.” (124)
2. high expectations & firm limits
3. some freedom within those limits (“Real freedom can’t be attained without accepting & sharing responsibility.”)
4. time & encouragement to struggle through difficult challenges
5. guidance in solving problems within those challenges
6. an understanding of the difference between needs & wants
7. positive, self-confident role models (124)

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