We have all heard of the terrible twos and many parents have much experience with this difficult stage of child development. It is not just one issue that leads to the frustrations of the terrible twos but one issue stands out that can create safe swimmers at this age, long term memory! By the time a child is 18 months old he or she has developed long term memory. Long term memory allows a child solve problems and parents have a new tool to use to safeguard children from dangers that were once difficult to understand. It can be related to solving a puzzle.

A child under the age of 18 months lacks this ability however when long term memory develops a whole new world opens up. This is when parents will witness a child escaping from a crib or playpen because a child has “solved the puzzle.” “Staying put” is no longer something a child has to do simply because a parent feels they are secure. Locks and child safety devices are no longer “fail safe.” This is where parental and child frustrations clash until a sort of peace is reached. Effective programs can help both children and parents solve these frustrating issues. The terrible twos is just another stage of development in which children and parents must face with a smile and optimism knowing that there are solutions out there!