Keeping Peace With a 2-Year-Old

A child going through the "terrible twos" can be a handful. Here are suggestions for how to survive:

• Use humor. If you sense a tantrum coming on, find a funny, positive way to distract your toddler.

• Allow children to make some decisions. How vital is it that their clothes match?

• Notice good behavior, not just things they do wrong.

• Limit the choices. Say, "Do you want to watch 'Barney' or 'Sesame Street?'" not, "What do you want to do?"

• Make sure they get enough sleep. A tired child can be cranky.

• Avoid bedtime battles. Introduce some quiet activities shortly before bedtime.