Terrible 2

A year ago, I thought there's no such thing as the "terrible 2" with my son. Looking at other kids his age, seems like we're not going that way. He knows the meaning of "No whining," "stay here," and "eat your food." Now, he needs to be told he will be spanked or put in the room before he would obey…most of the time he would not. I would suddenly hear baby cry because kuya hit him as he tried to climb up on the crib. Nothing pops out anymore since he tore the octopus' arms, crab's claws, shark's head and the turtle's feet from his wonderful pop-up book. I won’t mention everything here though. I was feeling frustrated the past few days. I regret that my son saw fits of rage from me and the trauma it could give him. I was so ashamed when he calmly told me “mommy, do not shout.” Nothing came out from my heart that’s become a sponge but “sorry anak, I shouted. You should obey what mommy tells you, ok.” And from crying last night, I came to realize that I am frustrated not because I want my son to change (but I’d be happy of course if tomorrow he would suddenly listen at every word I say). I am frustrated that I can’t control my own self . Every morning when I see my son, my prayer would be asking for lots and lots of love and patience for this boy. And guidance to control myself and help me handle a “terrible 2.”