24 Month Toddler And Twin Milestones. Happy Two Years!

 

 

24 Month Toddler And Twin Milestones. Happy Two Years!

 5-5-2-12

 

 

Look friends, you finally made it! You have gone through the tiring newborn days, the learning to crawl and then walk phase, the climbing and barreling things down phase.. (well you’re actually still in that last one.)

 

You have survived to see your toddler or twins 2nd birthday, and boy has it been one heck of a ride for everybody!

 

As the festivities of a second birthday that at one time seemed light years away commences, you may be wondering, what do I expect now? What should my toddler be doing now that he’s turned 2 years old?

 

1st things 1st…it is EXTREMELY easy to compare your toddler to others or one twin to another. Please don’t do this. It is completely normal for one child to excel in areas sooner than another. This practice leads to worry, and we all know you don’t need any more of that.

 

 

Ok, what to expect now from your newly 24 month toddler or twinkies.

 

 1) I do! Increased independence.

Your little ones may think they are older than they actually are at this point, and want to do certain things all by themselves. Though some children are just naturally more independent than others, you will notice at some point, they seem to need us less or so they believe. Well, to some extent it’s true.

 

They now have amazing balance, walk and run without any wobble. They are starting to sense when and where danger lurks, like not to go near something that may harm them, though we still need to be ever close by.

 

My Allie was coming down the stair case of a pretty tall slide instead of going down the slide. She refused to come down until I backed off from trying to assist her. She kept backing up and going higher until I walked away saying to me, ”No, I do it.” I found that painful, funny, and cute, all at the same time.

 

They want to try and explore new things for themselves but always need you nearby for comfort, a hand to hold when they want to, and protection. Get ready folks, this only progresses from here. Have your hankies in hand.

 

 

2. For some, bye bye nap time.

Could it be? No more napping? Well let me say.. 24 months has always been a turning point for napping with the majority of my kids. And this was no different for the twins. That beautiful nap I looked forward to each day so I could catch my breath was gone at 24 months.

 

It was like one twin shut off a light switch in the other, then vise-versa, and they just didn’t want or need it anymore. (Or so they think.)  A long day can make for a cranky toddler.. or two.

 

For some lucky folks, napping may go on for another year, possibly more. But for many, if not already, the 1 nap you have come to accept after losing the 2nd, and at one time, 3rd and 15th as newborns and infants, may be a thing of the past. How tragic?

 

 

3. Potty time?

You may still have awhile to go, especially with boys as they tend to move slower in this department, but you may notice an increased interest in the potty. Your toddler may be ripping off his or her diaper like crazy, making you crazy. And maybe even pointing or attempting to sit up on the toilet for themselves. There may not be any poo or pee yet, but it’ll happen.

 

Actually, one of my twins started ‘at home potty training’ on the twins’ 2nd birthday exactly. Now at 26 months they both end up diaper-less and use the toilet religiously for most all pee and poo during the day. If one twin does this, the other will soon follow as they love to mimic what you do and what each other does.

 

If not already, go out and buy a simple potty for your toddler or twins to practice on. I bought one of those music playing toilets and that was a mistake. It should be basic, not a ‘toy’ where the purpose is lost. Or simply buy a stool and a kid’s soft, toilet topper such as below. Your child will feel like a big kid indeed.

It will likely be awhile before they are fully trained, but for some this may be a matter of weeks or months from now. Others may still have a full year to go. No worries.

 

 

4. Their true personality begins to show.

During this point in life onward you will start to see what type of personality your child has and will likely have in the future. Are they timid, laid back, bossy, needy, or independent? It’s around this time that you start to notice that your child’s personality is really very apparent, and maybe completely different then yours, or his or her sibling(s).

 

One of my twins is more compassionate. Wants to share, hug and kiss more, but has her own mean streak when the tides turn on her. She gets timid around certain people, especially men. (I hope that lasts . ) But is pretty independent all in all.

 

My other twin is bossy, possessive, shares less willingly, points at you or other people to reprimand, which right now as she babbles and does this I find it extremely funny, as I have never seen this before with any of my other children. You know what they say though…what’s funny now doesn’t always remain that way.

 

She’s smiley and not really timid at all. She’s a big mommy’s girl and wants nobody else to have a turn hugging or kissing me. She thinks I belong to her. She’s sassy and is full of attitude and spunk. They are almost the opposite of each other. This bossier twin does not usually hit, pinch, scratch, bite etc. The other is the one that will hit when frustrated or attempt to bite or scratch.

 

 Allie is passive and willing around other children. The other I worry more about in public, despite her being now the ‘better twin’ in parts. This does seem to change at times. That is for sure. You can really see their personalities taking shape at this time. The good, the bad, and the funny.

 

 

5. Uses personal pronouns.

Me, I, You. You should start hearing these words regularly around this time. You may be quite used to ‘MINE’ by now with your toddler, and other words as his or her vocabulary continues booming by the week! Again, unless you notice a severe delay in speech you child is more than likely very normal.

 

One of my twins talks way more clearly and uses larger words, and a more abundant amount of words than the other one does. I have learned to not compare. Both are on the right track absolutely. If you do have concerns though, don’t freak out, just address them with his or her doctor.

 

 

6. Less tantrums, more understanding.

Though labeled as the ‘terrible twos’ certain things may seem improved from this point onward. Since your toddler or twins can express him or herself better, and aren’t holding quite as much frustration in trying to do so, you may actually notice a decline in temper tantrums and screaming fits.

 

We had one twin that was bad with this, but at around 24 months again like a light switch the tantrums basically stopped, and she now can express herself wonderfully. That is a huge reason that tantrums are thrown. The child wants something or needs something, but can’t let you know in words or actions quite yet, and they lash out by having a fit.

 

Some are worse than others, but you may notice a decrease in this arena, which is welcomed by many parents. Now getting them to leave a place they love, like the local park or amusement park will become a challenge soon enough, but it’s not usually AS bad.

 

 

7. An increase in energy.

Don’t you wish there was an increase in yours first? This may be why they call it the ‘terrible twos’. The increase in energy may leave you feeling like you just took 3 Zumba classes in a row. Staying in for the day may be more taxing and frustrating for you than going out though. Most certainly with twins, I assure you.

 

I highly prefer, even all alone (which is most times), taking the twins out to the park for hours, or to the mall or Chuck E. Cheese…ANYTHING to get out of the house, as they get their exercise and jollies out, and I more easily retain my sanity.

 

Make sure to get your toddler or twins out for some well needed exercise and fresh air. Being cooped up for too long, just like for you is kind of depressing over time. And also they tend to get into more trouble at home because they are trying to get into and onto everything. Your back needs a break, so take advantage of the good weather upon us now. Plus, boredom just plain ‘ol stinks!

 

Well, it’s been an incredible two years of sharing milestones and memories with you all. I will continue to update and share with you, but it may be on a less regular basis as far as these posts are concerned. Maybe just in a less detailed way. We will go through the potty training, the 1st day of school, and everything together still. No worries there.

 

 I thank you for taking time out to visit me here. God bless, and enjoy your little one(s) even through the chaotic madness at times. You’ll miss it one day believe it or not. Preserve the memories and happy toddlering!