How much does a 2 yo behaviour reflect their personality in later life?

[OldieButGoldie]

My DS is 2.9 and I find it hard to determine what is his own personality and what is just the behaviour of a 2 year old.

He is wilful, utterly determined and will not be told about anything, he always knows better. He is bossy and demanding and throws spectacular tantrums if he doesn't get his own way. Some days are a real battle and I am terrified by the prospect of these traits existing into teenage years.

So, did your toddler keep much the same character as they grew up or did they change significantly?

Now I'm worried that the lack of response means that yes they do keep the same traits, yes he will be like this as a teenager and yes I am in trouble!

Anybody put my mind at ease?

Take it that's a no then

I have a 2.4 year old who is EXACTLY the same.

Hmmm...

My DS was not like this at 2 and is not like this at 4. My DD was like this at 2 and still is at 3. She is a mini me. I was willful, determined, would not be told anything. Still am. What are you or your DP like?

Oh, they're all like that at that age, and no, ime (my lads are now 24 and 20 yo) it doesn't reflect them as teenagers.

(They're both lovely now! :) )

My 2.5yr old DS sounds pretty similar to yours, he only seems interested in doing the things he shouldn't be doing and having massive, hysterical melt downs. However, I am not worried because apparently DH was exactly the same at 2 and he is the most relaxed, easy going charmer I have ever met!
Also my cousin was very similar and is also a very calm and lovely adult. I'm sure your son will be delightful.

My ds was the most laidback easy-going 2yo you could imagine. He is a totally argumentative 10yo.

Dd was a tantrum thrower and a drama queen. She is a very reasonable teen, though still prone to panicking.

I was an impossible toddler- easygoing teen.

My eldest was a throw yourself under the pram wheels drama queen at 2 - 3, at 17 she is reasonable, and pleasant most of the time, although she can be a bit of a 'princess' as in wanting her own way.
The one who is a nightmare now at age 13, was also a nightmare at 2, and every age in between.
The one who was placid at 2 has always been placid (now 15)
The one who was cute, and chatty at 2 - 3 is still cute and chatty, but with a bit of teen moodiness thrown in - now 16

So - generally mine have kept the same sort of personality so far! (commiserations!)

Hmm, bit of a mixed bag, have to just wait and see then. I wouldn't say either myself or his dad are like this. Infact in some ways I think it is good that he has such a strong will and determination, maybe he will get on in life better than we did. I just worry about the teenage years as I wont be able to bribe him with Santa then, will I?

My dd was a truly awful toddler with tantrums,screaming fits,defiance etc.By 5 she began to improve[yes 5!!].By 10 she was delightful and now at 36 she is a mum of 2 and a lovely,gentle,generous caring woman of whom I am prouder than she could ever guess.If sh'e stayed as she was at 2 she'd have been locked up or murdered by now.

what a lovely post pranma

Ah pranma - thats what we all hope for - lovely to hear. xx

I know how you are feeling! My eldest is now 19. When he was 2 I thought his character was clearly deeply flawed or possibly he would end up in a mental institution (I kid you not).

Their characters, in some ways, can be seen to run like a thread through their lives - the toddlers who challenge the boundaries more may well continue to do so! However, although our first was a nightmare, biting, head-butting, antisocial hooligan at age 2, we then discovered why Granny called age 7 the 'age of reason'. He became quite good company!

Teenage years can be difficult anyway. My third was a dream child from age 1 to 14 ... and is now as grumpy as hell! The 19 year old is now at a top university and apologised to me in a phonecall during his first term for being such a pain when he was growing up. There is (almost certainly) light at the end of the tunnel.

Ds1 was non verbal non communicative docile little lump.

Now he rarely sits still and NEVER, EVER shuts up.

Ds2 was chatty, loving, a little clingy, and Very Firm About How The World Should Be. That was 2 years ago. He has not changed.

got your hands full then, colditz