Our DS (now 13) was just fine at 2--no problems. But then 4 hit very hard.
LOL, I hear you and have been very aware of the next stage and am curious about how my DD will be. My friends have wished the terrible twos on me b/c I have always made statements about how much I love them at that stage, so it is safe to say that my friends are holding a grudge against me. :P
I always talk about 2 year olds need to assert independence at this time and I know this is common knowledge, but in the middle of the situation do people remember this? I don't think one of my friends does. It also means, as I say to my husband, pick your battles. Exploring the lights is not really worth getting into an argument and enforcing a timeout. (I know you all are probably thinking my kid is super spoiled little brat, but she really isn't. She uses her manners and says please, thank you, etc.)
So I am a little more laid back on things, but to be fair, I was never a baby talking hold on tight kind of mama. You know the type: IE. baby walking or running in the house slips and falls on his/her knees or butt but not hit his/her head; mama sucks in her breath jumps up and runs to the aid of her baby. That is just not me. My response? Nothing, unless she is crying then I know she is hurt and that gets a simple acknowledgment and kiss.
My favorite was a few months back. DD was in her big girl bed for a nap and I hear a THUMP and then a pause and she starts to cry. So instantly I knew she fell off the bed so I ran up the stairs to check on her. When I opened the door she cried even louder and said "I fell off and hit my head". I really REALLY wanted to say "Mama called the doctor and the doctor said" .... but I was good, however while talking to her it was VERY singsongish. So I held her and asked DD were you jumping on the bed? She stopped crying instantly and said yes in a low voice. That was it. She knew what she did was wrong and she had paid the highest consequences. She seemed to have accepted the bump on her head as the punishment with me not having to say anything. And ever sense that day (Knocking on a serious log of wood) she has not attempted to jump on her bed.
