Top Ten Traits of the Terrific Two's

I frequently see parents lamenting about their toddlers. They complain about the "Terrible Twos". Potty training is tough, bedtimes are a battle and dinner is an Olympic event of dodging flying peas and negotiating bites for cookies. I am not about to say toddlerhood is a walk in the park, unless the walk is through a dog park and you are barefoot. What I am here to do is shed some light on the happier side of being 2.

Here are Juicebox Confession's Top Ten Traits of the Terrific Two's:



1. You will not have a conversation like this with anyone other than a two year old:
     The Hubs: You just made that princess [on the swing] do a loopty loop.
     The Toddler: Huh?
     Hubs: A loopty loop.
     Toddler: Yes, a lollipop.
     Hubs: You mean a loopty loop.
     Toddler: Yes, a lollipoop.
     Hubs: A loopty loop.
     Toddler: Yes, a poopty poop.

2. They wear their hearts (and lunch) on their sleeves.

3. Nothing can match their level of excitement. About the sky, bugs, swings, the couch, your purse, keys, shiny things, thunder, lunch, everything. EVERYTHING.

4. Cookies can cure anything.

5. They love big and without exception. They do not see race, religion or sexual orientation. They judge people based on their actions alone. Your past, present or future holds no merit for them. Kindness rules.

6. They keep things interesting. Like the weather in New England a minute makes all the difference. An angry toddler will only stay angry for an instant before the winds shift and something makes them exuberantly happy. (See #3 and #4)

7.  They are adventurous and playful. Who else do you know can turn a cardboard box into a safari with nothing more than a teddy bear and length of rope?

8. There is no guessing with toddlers. If they do not like something they will tell you. And they won't feel bad. Instead they will announce their distaste and move on with their awesome day.

9. Parenting a toddler allows you to revisit your own childhood and playful side. They give you an excuse to spend an afternoon swinging and picking flowers.

10. They believe. Deeply. They believe in Santa, the Easter Bunny, monsters, fairies and Elmo. But mostly, they believe in you. In your unending love and protection. If that doesn't make them the best little creatures on the planet, I don't know what will.