Because I can explain things to, and reason with, DS2.5 in such detail (and him with me), I have been wondering if I also expect more decision-making capacity, follow-through, and/or emotional maturity from him than I should? Most of the time he seems to happily rise to the occasion, but every now and then we have these terrible moments and I think, "I must be crazy, he's only two!" The other day I caught myself saying, "Why are you acting like this? We talked about it and I explained that if you wanted to do x with the older kids, then you can't do y, or they won't play with you."
I struggle with the reality that his comprehension and desires may (or may not) exceed his emotional capacity at that particular moment, depending on several (mostly unknown) variables. I'm guessing that this will improve as he gets older, but I'm curious how other parents determine what is an "age-appropriate" level of responsibility and behavior in an asynchronous child?
I wish DS had a little screen that flashed his "age" by activity with any necessary disclaimers: imaginative play 5, sharing capacity 2. Closely monitor all possible sword-touching.
