"Terrible" twos

My thoughts on the "just wait until..." comments

Raise your hand if anyone has ever warned you about the “terrible twos” (puts both hands up). When I had my first child, I was so nervous entering the toddler phase. Were we going to lose this sweet girl I had come to love so much? Nope! Turns out, it was one of my favorite ages. With my second turning 2 this past week, I feel so much more at ease and able to enjoy this precious phase while tuning out all the “just wait until…” comments that people seem to love to offer moms. This is what inspired my latest poem, Terrible Two, below.

I know everyone has a different experience, but I’ve been so touched to hear from many people who also embrace the toddler years as the magical - and yes, chaotic - times that they are. What’s been interesting is how many people have said, “Yes but just wait until 3.” My oldest also had a birthday this week and turned 4, so it’s a comfort to know… 3 was also a wonderful phase. She grew into her own bold, funny, curious, and whip-smart girl. Getting to have real, deep conversations with her while still seeing that childlike wonder at every turn has been so fulfilling.

I guess what I’m trying to say is, every age has its ups and downs (true for adults too!) and every year of my children’s lives has been my favorite one yet. So here’s to the terrible twos, threenagers, whatever you want to call it. I hope we are all able to find the bright side of these fleeting days with little ones. And I hereby promise to never say “just wait until…” to another mom, unless it’s in a good way of course :)

-Rachel