The Terrible Ones

Any parent knows that the "terrible twos" is a comforting illusion. (For those not aware of this term, think screaming brat lying on the supermarket floor, and imagine this scene around a dozen times a day on average.) The reality, as everyone knows is that the twos also lasts into the threes. More tears, snot, and battle of the wills ("No, you will not sit at the table after deliberately throwing the noodles with tomato sauce across the table, for the sixth time!") Some lucky parents do not experience these phases. Others let their kids wrap them around their fingers in order to avoid them. The rest of us grit their teeth, raise their voices, wipe snot and tears, think of the neighbours listening to the screaming, and keep up the battle. Our kids have started with their terribles at around the age of 1.5 years. My youngest is full into the phase. He's 16 months old, and early with every development. Testing, testing, testing (what our rules are, but mainly testing for my nerves...). Terrible as it is, I think we see the rewards with our older girls (4.5 and nearly 6 years). They sure test a lot, but they also know what a no from us means. Between our youngest's end of terribles and the start of our eldest's teeny years, we will hopefully experience a few years of harmony...?