Advice For Parents Of Toddlers And Young Children
- Alternatives to using the word 'no'
- Keeping calm when your toddler acts up
- Keeping your toddler safe at the playground
Be calm around your toddler
Have you ever had an argument with someone and only got upset and started shouting because they did it first?
Your toddler is exactly the same. They will get defensive when you shout at them; your toddler will be annoyed when you are frustrated around them. So keep calm, cool and collected so your mood doesn’t rub off on your toddler.
Lead by example
If you are not happy with your toddler swearing at you, don’t swear at them.
Your toddler is at the stage where they are learning what is and what is not acceptable in society. Your toddler will copy and imitate you a lot in the next few years, so make sure they only see you doing the good things in life.
Don’t react to your toddlers behaviour
Often, your toddler will want your attention and will do anything to get it.
This attention seeking could be anything from kicking and screaming to making themselves sick.
You should be very careful not to fall into this trap. Your toddler is a lot smarter than you give them credit for. Your toddler will try all kinds of measures to get your attention and when they find one that works, they will use it time and time again.
Therefore you should be very careful what kind of attention seeking behaviour you reward. If your toddler draws you a picture, you should reward this very positively with lots of hugs and praise. If your toddler throws everything on the floor, give them a warning and a time out if it carries on – don’t give them a reaction.
Give your toddler positive rewards
Reward your toddler with a trip out, or just a cuddle.
Either way you need to show your toddler they have done well for not getting in trouble or being naughty. You need to give the something they like (even if it is just a tick on their reward chart for behaving all day). It gives your toddler an incentive to behave.
Don't just say no to your toddler
Don’t always say no to your toddler.
Your toddler wants you to listen to them and understand the reason they can’t do what they want when they want it. Treat your toddler like an adult and explain to them.
What you do matters to your toddler
You could give your toddler all the presents in the world, but they mean nothing if you’re never there to play with them, cuddle and kiss them.
Don’t pay your toddler off with toys and sweets, make the effort to go home early and shower your toddler with kisses and cuddles and give them a bedtime story.
You will never get these years back, so make the most of bonding with your toddler.
Be involved in your toddler’s life.
Ask your toddler what they have done that day if you haven’t been there. Make time to spend with your toddler, even if it is just taking them down the park for half an hour. Your toddler will love you for it and nothing is more important than that.
Adapt your parenting style to fit around child
We all want children to stay young and cute forever, but we all know that is not going to happen. So cherish these moments but also know when you need to step back and let your toddler start growing up.
You can’t keep them wrapped up in cotton wool, so let your parenting style evolve with the growth of your child.
Set rules for your child
Your toddler is growing up and learning about the world around them. Your toddler will test the boundaries and step over the line from time to time. They are learning how much they can get away with.
Let your toddler know from an early age what they are and are not allowed to do. Expect your toddler to push the boundaries and make sure you are there to keep them in line.
Encourage independence in your toddler
Your toddler has to grow up at some point, so use it as a chance to bond with your child.
Whether your toddler helps you bake a cake, or you let them choose their own clothes for the day, the less you resist your toddler growing up, the closer you will be with your toddler.
Be consistent with your toddler
Whilst your toddler is learning the rules and what is acceptable you need to give them punishments is they are not following your house rules. These punishments should be fair and inline with what your toddler has done.
The best way to give your toddler a consistent punishment is to give them a warning and, if they continue, a time out.
Avoid harsh discipline with your toddler
You should avoid harsh discipline techniques such as smacking as they will not help you bond with your toddler and may knock your toddlers confidence.
Treat your child with respect
Your toddler is growing up and deserves to be treated with respect.
For example if you cant do something with your toddler, don’t just say no, explain why you can’t do it.
You should also consider and respect your toddler’s thoughts and opinions. Show your toddler you care by asking them how they feel or what they think about something.
