When Max hit the age of two, there was pretty much an overnight change in personality. Don't get me wrong, he was still a loving, fun, happy little boy - but there was a darker side that could be switched on and off. We knew it was coming eventually, so it wasn't a total shock. All of a sudden everything was “mine” (his) and every response to “Would you like (such and such) for dinner” was “No! I don't want it”... If this sounds like your two year old, take a deep breath everyone, it doesn't last forever.

You read the books, and then you think you are prepared. My husband even said to me once, “Don't worry, we've got this one in the bag”. I laugh now with Max at almost 3, with his beautiful curls and bright blue eyes - he doesn't look capable of such behaviour. Yet if you cross him, watch out! Here come the tantrums, throwing, spitting, hitting and the all time favourite, throwing himself to the ground and screaming at the top of his lungs (hang on, that's is me! - No, only kidding).

 ...take a deep breath everyone, it doesn't last forever

It happens mostly without warning. He can be playing happily with his train set and talking away to himself and then a pesky little piece of track doesn't fit immediately and BOOM! He is off! Arms flailing, legs kicking and no one is safe from his rampage. Perhaps we are overreacting. Maybe it looks worse than it is, because there are so many times when he is almost angelic, that this couldn't possibly be the same boy. Especially when his best includes random acts of affection to his baby brother such as a kiss of the top of the head, the sharing of a biscuit or a reassuring “Don't cry baby” when baby is upset. All that said it is a tough age with so many changes happening. Their vocabulary is increasing, but still the communication skills are not at an optimum. If we don't understand a phrase, a word or even an action it can spur a tantrum of magnificent proportions.

Every child is different.  I found snippets of useful information from books and websites to help me out - however it ultimately came back to us as parents.

The most challenging exercise for us was the weekly shop. Max needs to be included in the shopping process, otherwise he won't sit in the trolley and behave as I would like him to! I always try to give Max a task to find familiar items, a loaf of bread you always buy or a pack of rice crackers that he loves then he will hunt until he finds it - there is no giving up. It will undoubtedly take 2-3 times longer to shop, but you get out in one piece (fingers crossed).

Just try to remember it is a developmental stage, a time that will come and go and we will all get through to a 'better' time on the other side (hopefully). It is a rite of passage for the child, and for us. Our children are getting older (yes, wipe the tear from your eye) and they are taking a step towards independence.

There are lots of online resources and wonderful books that can help with useful tips and tricks. If you feel your child is not developing as they should, or you have any lingering concerns, you should consult your family GP or health care practitioner.

My top Terrible 2 checklist for out and about

•  As hard as it may be try and keep to a routine when out and about. Lunch times, snack times, nap times.
• Offer only limited choices for food, they still get to pick, but offering an endless stream of choices will confuse and often anger an already fragile 2 year old.
• If you are out you can still use your time-outs or taking away of privileges
• Don't give in! If you give in due to embarrassment or exhaustion, they will do it again and again and again...
• Try to stay calm and remain positive. Children can tell if you are angry or upset and it can transfer to them.

Things to keep in mind!

• Control yourself at all times
• Keep a clear mind
• Come to his level and to explain what it is he is doing wrong
• Use your imagination with distraction
• Always remember - lots of affection!