The "terrible twos".

In much of the northeast this was the summer that wasn't so far. With clouds and rain prevalent through out the spring, and right through the month of July, it just hasn't felt like summer. While out west, record high temperatures and drought have been the problem. A strong persistent jetstream in the atmosphere has been the problem. The pattern just won't break. My son Kieran would call that "Dad's science lesson".
Despite the weather, I spent a wonderful two weeks with my youngest grandsons on Cape Cod in MA in July. Connor is in the midst of his "terrible twos" stage while Liam is just entering it.
Just in case you are not a parent let me explain that phrase. I am well familiar with it since we had our own five children.
The "terrible twos" is an early expression of individualism. The growing kids begin to think and to realize that they want to do things that their parents do or don't want them to do. It is a period of growth and exploration, much of which they want to do on their own. They no longer want to hold on to your hand (for that sense of security you provide) when you are out for a walk or at the mall. They want to run to whatever grabs their attention at the moment. It can seem like the word "No", is the only one in their vocabulary (sometimes it is "Mommy", or "Daddy", if they are trying to get your attention, which is all the time). It is a period of time that can drive a parent bananas (that's a silly expression). But hang tough, it passes as the children begin to realize that they wind up getting more of what they want if they go along with their folks once in a while. The next big expression of individualism takes place in the teens and that makes the "terrible twos" seem like a stroll in the park.
During this time many kids become very picky about what they eat. Vegetables are often the first foods that toddlers drop from their menus. Many children will eat them raw if they are cut into bite-sized pieces, while the cooked version is often eschewed. Try substituting more fresh fruit to supply the nutrients and fiber that is necessary. Be careful of course that your child can properly chew the food (at this stage most of them can gnaw down a tree faster than a beaver).
May I emphsize once again that a mix of color in the foods you offer is very important for proper nutrition. And I'm not talking about Lucky Charms or any other candy that poses as cereal. Keep the cereal as plain as possible and try to mix in fruit to give it a natural sweetness rather than sugar. Ripe bananas are great. NEVER use an artificial sweetner on children's food. You shouldn't use it either, natural sugar in MODERATION is better. Your body recognizes it as food and can metabolize it properly (another science lesson).
For those of you who have children in their "terrible twos" may I offer this piece of advice that was handed down to me by my mother, "When you're ready to pull your hair out remember; this too shall pass away."
Enjoy your children at each and every stage of their development. You'll be glad you did.