2 1/2 is not a good age for us so far...

kndeckar · November 2013

I read something one time about kids going through sort of a rough stage around their half birthdays. Has anyone ever heard of this? My daughter just turned 2.5 and she has turned into a total nightmare. She is bratty, aggressive, hits, kicks, talks back, screams. All of this is fairly new behavior. She was such a happy child before. She's also not sleeping as well. Just trying to figure out if this is our new normal and we need to adjust or just a phase that will pass??

rlyttle · November 2013

It's a phase, but I would consider it your new normal because it will probably get worse before it gets better. Welcome to the terrible twos. I know every kid is different, but this is a normal age for them to start rebelling and becoming more independent. Come up with discipline that works for your family & be consistent. It will pass eventually.....

memali26 · November 2013

I read an article once that proposed the theory that kids's behavior's go in 6 month cycles - the first half of a year (so, 2-2.5) is the "easy" half, and the second half (2.5-3) is the more challenging half. I don't know that I fully buy into it, but I definitely noticed 2.5-3, and now 3.5-4, were more challenging behavior wise with my older DD.

Unfortunately PP is right, this will probably be your new normal for a while. They don't call it the terrible two's for nothing

Just be consistent in how you handle it and things will get better.

SusieBW · November 2013

I think it's just a matter of kids starting to feel more independent and testing their boundaries. I think that a lot of the "terrible" about the terrible twos can be alleviated by just giving them the independence that they are craving. Be firm about the boundaries that you have, but try to only put boundaries where it is really necessary. Pick your battles, I guess is what I'm saying.

And good luck.

[Deleted User] · November 2013

The closer DS got to 3, the worse the behavior got. I'm scared of what's to come, to be honest!

dkbop1818 · November 2013

Could she possibly be getting her 2 year molars? I noticed a HUGE change in behavior when they were coming in!

jlpev · November 2013

DS really started acting different once he turned 2.5 & it didn't help his dad was gone for a little over a week too. He has good & bad days...more bad. Also he was cutting his molars & I had his little sister right before he turned 2.5 so he's had a lot of changes.