Being a parent to a 2-year-old is an interesting time of life, to say the least.

Whether you’re watching them run around with a friend at a playdate, scrutinise over how to arrange their building blocks, or burst into a fit of giggles over something silly, there’s always something new and exciting to learn about your toddler during this time.

And while we’re watching our little ones engage in the everyday activities of their daily lives, as their parents, we’re always trying to work out what’s going on in their little minds. We want to know everything about them. What are they feeling? What are they learning? How can we better help them?

Why is it important to understand my 2-year-old better?

Despite all of our curiosity about our little ones, sometimes we forget the most simple fact about them: the fact that they have only been on this Earth for 2 years! And because they are so new and inexperienced within this world, it’s understandable that sometimes we struggle with trying to figure out what’s going on inside their heads.

But even if we can’t know exactly what they’re thinking, and why they act the way they do, it’s important we make every effort to understand them as best we can. Because understanding our toddlers is the first step to helping them become the best people they can be.

Now that we’ve explored why it’s important to understand our 2-year-olds, let’s talk about how you can get into a better mindset when raising them.

How do I become calmer about raising my 2-year-old?

Remember that they are only 2. When your 2-year-old is being difficult, remember that having moments like these is normal. If they say something you consider to be ‘bad’, remember that they don’t mean it. If possible, always come back to the thought that they are only 2, and that this is absolutely fine. The moments you are experiencing are normal, and like everything else in life, things will move along.

Remember that you are a good parent. Raising a 2-year-old toddler can sometimes feel like a huge struggle. And in those difficult moments, it’s important to remember that you are a good parent who is trying their best. You don’t have the answer to everything, and you will work things out as you go along!

Find moments to laugh! We understand that as a parent, you take your job very seriously. But sometimes being too serious can make your relationship with your toddler suffer. Always find moments to laugh, shrug things off sometimes, see the beauty in the little things, take a breath, and give yourself a break!

Don’t always expect a lot from your child. As our children grow up, it’s normal to have high expectations of them. After all, we want the best for them, and we want to see them do well! However, if you find yourself feeling like this about your 2-year-old, remember to not always expect too much from them. They are doing their best for the age that they are, and the stage they are at!

Am I over-stressing about my 2-year-old?

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