Compare/Contrast Toddlers and Teenagers free essay sample

This paper will compare/contrast toddlers and teenagers. If you do not have kids, then you will most likely not understand the correlation between the two. When most people think of toddlers, they think of potty training, toys galore, and dirty little hands. And when most people think of teenagers, they think of loud music, messy rooms, and attitudes. But there are many similarities between these two that a lot of people would not think of because the differences are so big. First, I will discuss how toddlers and teenagers are the same. The most obvious similarity between the two is the need for independence. Toddlers want to do EVERYTHING by themselves. It does not matter what it is†¦the most common phrase among toddlers is â€Å"I do it†. They will only accept help as a last resort. Teenagers also want to do things on their own. They want to go out by themselves to prove that they are growing up. The independence for both of them is the same though because they want to prove something. The growth during both of these stages is very important too. Toddlers are learning how to do all kinds of new things so that they can be more independent. Teenagers are learning how to be more adult. They are both going through a â€Å"growth spurt† at these ages, trying to come into their own and be their own person. Another similarity between toddlers and teenagers is that they push boundaries with authority. Toddlers are known for the word â€Å"no†. They must be told repetitively about something, yet they will still push to see how far they can go. This is the way toddlers learn. Teenagers also use the word â€Å"no† a lot because they feel superior to everything and everyone. They push boundaries as well but they know the consequences. They both have selective hearing, and choose to hear what they want. If they hear something they do not like, they both will throw a tantrum. Both toddlers and teenagers have a tendency to throw tantrums no matter where you are. Toddlers will throw themselves on the floor while kicking and screaming, while teenagers will run screaming and crying to their rooms where they then throw themselves on their bed. Not that different! In either circumstance, you would think the world was coming to an end! Also, toddlers and teenagers are both very messy. Toddlers are messy in everything they do. They have messy rooms with toys everywhere, nd when they eat they usually have food in places you did not know was possible. Teenagers have messy rooms filled with clothes on the floor and dishes everywhere. It doesn’t matter which one it is, it is impossible to have a clean house with one around! Sleep schedules in toddlers and teenagers are also the same. Toddlers do not want to go to bed bec ause they are afraid they will miss out on something fun, while teenagers want to stay up and watch TV and talk on the phone. Either way, mom and dad are the ones that suffer in the morning! And last, sibling rivalry is a similarity between toddlers and teenagers. Toddlers will fight over toys and mom amp; dad’s attention, while teenagers will fight over the phone or remote, as well as mom amp; dad’s attention. Both toddlers and teenagers need as much guidance from their parents as possible. You want to help guide them in the right direction so that they will make good decisions in life. So all in all, both toddlers and teenagers will drive you absolutely crazy! They will make you want to pull your hair out, but you will never love another person the way you love them and vice versa. Now, I will discuss how toddlers and teenagers are different. The differences between the two are pretty obvious. Toddlers are most definitely cuter, but teenagers are stronger. Toddlers have a love to please their parents, while some teenagers do the exact opposite of what their parents want. Toddlers want to hold their mommy in public, but teenagers want mom as far away as possible! They both love to drive, but the difference is that toddlers can only pretend. After one of the many tantrums, toddlers go to time-out for five minutes and teenagers get grounded for five days. These tantrums usually stem from toddlers not getting what they want and teenagers not liking what they got. Aside from the obvious differences such as size and age, there seems to be a lot more similarities than differences. I can’t really say if I like one more than the other because they are kids. They have so many similarities that it is hard to tell them apart at times! I have a two and a half year old and she is definitely going through her independence phase. Toddlers have a way of making you feel better when you are sad. They still want you to love on them and show that you are proud of them. Teenagers are the same way. They may not say that they want you to love on them, but they do. All kids want you to love them. They may not all want it in public though! I honestly think that almost everyone should experience having kids at least once in their life. Kids change everything. I never thought I would have my first child at the age of 30, but she has been the most amazing thing that has ever happened to me. I am looking forward to the teenage years! I believe as long as you have patience, you can handle toddlers and teenagers. But you have to have patience!! I hope you enjoyed reading my compare/contrast essay between toddlers and teenagers. I enjoyed writing it!