For 2-year olds, everything seems a dilemma. Something as simple as a ball rolling under a couch and out of reach can present the most dire problem they have ever faced. While simple to us, to them it seems like the most tragic thing ever.
When they ask if they can have a sucker, it's not a "yes-or-no" question. It's a demand disguised as a question and there is no logical response awaiting yours, only an emotional one. A "yes" will provoke excitement and eagerness, while a "no" will provoke a tantrum akin to Mount Everest erupting.
At bedtime, if the door isn't cracked to the perfect degree to let the perfect amount of light in, 2-year-olds don't express indifference. They express frustration and yelling until it's the way they want it, even if the difference between 40 and 45 degrees wide isn't much.
When it comes to a pacifier, the difference between the blue one and the green one is huge. The blue one means happiness, while the green one means hell. The former induces pacification, while the latter induces a fit of tears. They are exactly the same, but for the color, but a 2-year-old knows one is much better than the other. Even more interesting, tomorrow that may change.
When it comes to eating chicken tenders, toothpicks may mean the difference between a well-fed toddler and a cranky, hungry one. A fork may not be satisfactory - after all, toothpicks are fancy because they are served with hors d'oeuvres.
And winter time certainly doesn't mean a 2-year-old wears a coat. On the contrary, it's important to fight the noble cause if mom or dad wants you to do something, even if it's at the risk of a nasty cold. And winter shoes? Well, the color and style matter a lot. The purple snow boots may be appropriate for a clear, perfect day, while the black leather Mary Jane's will certainly work on days with a foot of snow on the ground.
It's evolution in action. And every day is a joy.
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