by Becky Vieira posted in Parenting

We've heard of the terrible twos, that commonplace phrase designed to mask the horror of toddler defiance and tantrums. Apparently it doesn't end there; next comes the struggle of having a "threenager." I don't know if a term exists for 4-year-olds, but I don't imagine things are entirely sunshine and roses by then. But who knows, I'm in the midst of age 1 and learning as I go.
I assumed the tantrums and general terribleness began at age 2. Wishful thinking on my part. My 1-year-old son and all of his friends have either started early, or everything I've been told is wrong. We have officially entered a stage I call the not-so-wonderful-ones.
I understand why he gets upset. The behavior was once perfectly described to me by a fellow mom as being the result of having "big emotions and little words." Sure, I understand the reasons behind it. Yes, it?s a developmental phase, an important one at that. I?m just saying I wish I had more time. Why is this happening now" I thought I had at least seven more months until the foot stomping began. The first time it happened we were at school, playing happily outside with some balls. When the teacher called us all in for snacks I explained to my son what was happening. He wasn't having it. He screamed and stomped his little foot in frustration. Kneeling down to his level, I tried again.
"I understand you were having fun playing and don't want it to end," I said to...