gah 2yo are notoriously unreliable when it comes to social consistency babe.

Neither of mine deal well with noisy large groups and are quite fragile when there are lots of people. We talk about it on the way there, and what we're going to do if such and such happens. Don't forget all the mums at playgroup have small children and have no doubt had horrendous melt downs of their own. If they tut tut or make a big deal then obviously they aren't worth knowing.

At 2 it' still quite hard for them to deal with complex emotions and difficult situations. I do really understand the frustration, but then I try to remember that the frustration I am feeling and am able to communicate that they can't and how awful that must be.

In relation to the joy thing....on those days when I'm feeling less than tolerant, I try to find joy in things totally not related to the kids....the big sky at night, a beautiful day, a well made bed (dorky I know), being organised.

again.