"The First Adolescence"

Theo has entered the phase of the "Terrible Two" or, as Dr. Greene would call it, "The First Adolescence" Now is the time that he begins to make his own choices, when our "no" clashes with his "yes". Nonetheless, as what has been written in DrGreene.com, "ideal children do NOT always agree with their parents." Ideal parenting, on the other hand, helps children navigate this "stormy" phase.

Ideal parenting is grounded on love, and I once read that if you want to raise emotionally and mentally healthy children, you should shower them with as much hugs and kisses as you possibly can. And as far as Theo is concerned, he's having much, much more than the required daily dose.

Because he is still breastfeeding, he is very much attached to Mommy D. He probably looks at her mom not only as a source of love and comfort but as a source of nourishment as well. Not surprisingly, he would actually look for her every few minutes, even in the middle of play. Surely enough, he would easily burst into tears if he doesn't find her.

These are just phases in Theo's life, and we will always be there for him as he "conquers his demons". While this phase may be a bit difficult for us, we know that it is hard for him as well. But we have to give him the freedom to be his own unique person. Our impact on him should be constantly positive, so that when this phase ends, we would have molded him with a good head, and most importantly, a good heart.