Taming the Terrible Twos

• Help your child communicate. Encourage your child to reach, point and use simple words to describe what she wants.
• Teach your child sign language--just simple, easy-to-form signs that can help her "talk" without words. As a long-time teacher of severely handicapped, non-verbal students, I know that sign language can work magic. Forget about grammar and phrases and all that. Concentrate on such important signs as "bathroom," "more," "eat," "drink," etc.

As a teacher I am not happy at all. That's because adults have been set up for more trouble down the road. That 2-year-old has figured out how to get what he or she wants: scream and cry, and the louder the better.

• Talk about behavior guidelines at home, before you go out in public.
• Rehearse going to the store, dentist, or any other place your toddler visits. Explain what will be expected of him or her before leaving home.
• If you plan to buy something special, like cookies or cereal, give the child an opportunity to help choose.
• If no favorite items are on the shopping list, explain it up front. If needed, reinforce your message by showing the ample supply of cookies already on hand.
• If your child still acts out his frustration while out in public, leave promptly. Convenient, no; but giving in to a child's demands is never a good idea.
• Avoid yelling at the child, whether in public or in private. Remember, children take in everything they see and hear.

• Avoid putting pressure on a young child by expecting him to sit quietly in the library or at church for long periods of time.
• When he must sit still, in a car seat or airplane for example, provide activities that make it easier. Talk about what you see, bring small quiet toys, offer sugar-free snacks.