On The Teratoid Threes

It isn't uncommon to hear the misplaced fear in new parents voices as they mention the dreaded 'terrible twos.' It makes sense that children would experience a greater need for independence and freedom to make more of their own choices at this age. This of course can lead to defiance and many frustrating arguments, for both parents and children alike. Sadly, the most natural outlet for a child's frustration is characterized by the two most dreaded words in the parental/caregiver vocabulary--temper tantrum. However, this 'terrible twos' distinction is misleading. We often avoid mentioning that it only gets worse by age three.

The teratoid threes as I like to call them, literally meaning "resembling a monster," can be even more frightful than the previous year. Children are more mobile, willful, and constantly struggling to determine/hold onto  their place in the world--both in their home life as well as the world outside. Every conversation seems to be met with a question, "why, Norie," or a defiant "No, I don't want to...(insert anything under the sun here.)" Even if I am offering their favorite snack or activity, the triplets choose the exact opposite just for the sake of making their own choice. Heaven forbid I put my foot down. It's then that they deteriorate into tears, wailing, and gnashing of teeth. Characterized by faces such as this:

Though this picture is amusing now, at the time I admit, I was a bit frustrated. Yes, even nanny.nora gets frustrated. 

Thankfully, our 365 monstrous days of the teratoid threes pass and we negotiate these struggles day to day picking our battles and using methods of distraction to keep the peace.

I find it interesting how little talk there is of the "frightening fours." Thankfully, I have another 327 days to prepare for those. ;-)