The “Tough Twos”
No matter what situation your going through in life, it’s always nice to know your not alone. My sweet Stella is now 2 years and 3 months old, and the “terrible twos” (or as I more gently like to call it the “tough twos”) stage is gearing up full throttle. As I find myself getting quite frustrated with her behavior I begin to think, “Am I doing something wrong, is her heart always going display such rebellion, and am I alone in this?” Obviously I know that the answer to all three of these questions is a resounding “NO,” which brings me comfort.
According to this article I found on the Family Education website, she is acting quite normal for the developmental stage of life. Reading this article sheds some light on the issue which is helpful and makes it a touch easier… but only a touch. My real comfort these days has not come from worldly information and facts, but from the LORD! I find myself- ALL day EVERY day whispering prayers of help and strength to my Heavenly Father as I deal with my sweet Stella. Oh how I love her so much, and oh how she drives me crazy. I often hear God reply back to me saying the same thing about me as his daughter.
The “tough twos” are teaching me a lot about God: his love for me is great, his patience toward me never runs out, his desire to see me rid my life of sin is unceasing, and the discipline he puts me through is always perfect. It’s also teaching me a lot about myself: to simply love Stella is not enough, my patience towards her runs out… daily, sometimes I let the sin slide because I’m too tired, and the discipline apply in her life is often too harsh, too soft, at the wrong time, or in the wrong way.
It’s easy to see how I could look at my life as a mom and feel defeated, but I don’t. My trust is not in myself, but in my God. He is the source of my strength: he completely understands what I’m experiencing, and his desire for me is not to simply get by, but too excel in my role as a Mommy! My foolish mistakes are covered by his wisdom. My weaknesses are covered by his STRENGTH.
So, the “terrible twos” aren’t ALL terrible depending on how I look at it. They are for sure tough, but also serve toward my sanctification and spiritual growth as I desperately lean upon God’s strength, day to day, and moment by moment.
Just to clarify, it was not my intention to give my daughter a bad rep. in this blog, but rather to shed a positive light on a very tough year as a mom. Speaking honestly, since turning 2, Miss Stella has made me laugh and smile more than ever before. I love you so much my sweet girl. You are a true joy and a blessing!
September 5, 2011 at 7:42 am
I love you so much my sweet girl!! You are a true joy and a blessing as well!!! You are a great Mom Hailey! Keep looking up for direction and strength.