Naughty Toddler Twins

I have naughty two-year-old twins. There, I said it. Yes, I am a psychologist and actually get paid to help people parent effectively. And yes, I confess it: my kids are naughty.

I don’t think naughty is anywhere in the DSM-V-TR, so let me clarify what I mean. In this case, “naughty” refers to developmentally appropriate willful, oppositional, defiant, stubborn, and done-just-to-get-a-reaction-and-on-repeat behaviors, etc. Of late, examples include spitting, throwing toys on the ground or at siblings, running away when being called, running toward white couches with chocolate-covered fingers and faces, wildly thrashing during diaper changes, and repeatedly trying to escape the bedroom during naptime.

Most parents are familiar with this stage - the “terrible twos,” though I admit I barely registered this stage with my first child. With twins, I find myself doubly aware that I can do nothing to control these kids and doubly exhausted by the effort. These kids aren’t the least bit fearful of my “stern” voice. In fact, my son regularly laughs in my face when I am infuriated and being as mean as I know how to be.

I will write another post on another day about the miracles of sticker charts and treasure boxes. But, for today, I have no wisdom to impact. Only weariness. I will leave it at this: if you have twin toddlers tearing your home (and sanity) apart, I feel you.

twins photo by Pixabay