Terrible Twos December 8th, 2008 Everyone knows the phrase “terrible twos.” As with much of parenting, though, it didn’t become clear what it meant until I was in the midst of it. Two is when kids start to push back. Previously biddable kids suddenly take to “No!” like it’s the only word in the world. I find it’s the concrete examples, though, that really show the terribleness: It’s time to change Guppy’s diaper. I pull one from the stack. He says no, he doesn’t want the green dog. I show