Age 2 is rough on the parents. I remember my DD trying to dart across a packed parking lot and my quick reflexes of grabbing hold of her. It was also the first time I was really scared for her and made it clear (emotionally and with words). She really understood that her mommy was upset and why I was so upset. She never did it again and always waited patiently by the van until I took her hand. She would also make comments about how dangerous it would be for her to run out in the street or parking lot.
Also, as far as attitude, we were headed in the same direction and something clicked inside of me about why. DD was ready to take on more responsibilities and because we were still treating her like a baby she was lashing out at us. Once we recognized this and gave her more to do her attitude changed. This isn't to say we didn't have some outbursts here and there but I also made a point of explaining in detail why it wasn't acceptable. I know experts claim children at this age aren't ready and can't grasp the whys of the issue but I found that my DD absolutely could. By treating her with respect and talking to her in a more mature way and by providing options for her to choose instead of what she was wanting that caused the tantrum; she was more willing to accept what was right and wrong.
