Talk about a bad rap. Everyone knows about the terrible twos, even people who don’t have kids. And there’s a grain of truth to that label. Diana Balicsak and her husband, Robert, have seen it in their two-year-old daughter, Alise: “We’ve endured temper tantrums, hitting, not listening.” But, she says, “we would definitely not describe her as a terrible two! She’s so much more fun than anything else!”

Two-year-olds are fun. And if we can take their admittedly challenging behavioural ups and downs in stride, there’s lots more to enjoy and celebrate about twos:

Unfettered enthusiasm When the Balicsaks pick Alise up after Montessori school, she comes running up, full of smiles, hugs and kisses. “That’s a great way to end your workday!” says Diana. And when she receives a gift, no matter how small, “she gasps and smiles.”

Irresistible charm “Gabriel at two was still looking babyish but talking like a little boy,” says his mom, Stephanie Bartsch. “It was an awfully cute combination. He learned quickly that looking people in the eye and saying ‘Please? Yes?’ got him anything he wanted!”

Originally published in Today's Parent, October 2008