Toddlers can be trying at times and especially when going through family changes and growth spurts, their world is often scary and full of wonderful things to explore. Toddlers are very ego based and prone to exerting their wants and dislikes at the flick of a switch, it’s normal, it’s natural but can be distressing for an inexperienced parent. As a parent there is much to learn as your baby grows and develops, you want the best for your child but when you’re trying to juggle everything from shopping, cleaning, work, changing nappies and organising play dates there’s little left in you particularly when you’ve had another bad night.
What’s the excuse this time?
Is it teeth, wanting to go to the toilet, afraid of monsters in the bedroom, someone has upset them? These are all very real things for a toddler, we need to get down to their level at times and se the world through their eyes. What we see as normal and rational may not take in to consideration their level of understanding or maturity. We want to be kind and responsible with small children but sometimes we over give, without even realising it. This is when we give our power away and the toddler is in charge, demanding this and that, not listening to a parent, it is frustrating and time consuming.
How do you cope and appease your child and manage their whims?
- Consistency- Toddlers thrive in an environment that is consistent so they know what is happening and what to expect, without consistency a child may be met with fear and act accordingly.
- Clear communication- if you can explain things clearly in as few words as possible this is the best approach, ie. get down now, stay away from, STOP ….. when we over explain things and use long sentences a child is lost and is likely to switch off and ignore you.
- Positive Praise –Toddlers love to be praised, make it genuine and admire what they have done well- caveat don’t over praise otherwise it will not have the same effect.
- New Skills- Help your child with a new new skill, by showing them something or doing it alongside them is a good way to teach. Your child will let you know what way they learn best.
- Expectations- Your expectations of your child need to adjust as your child grows. When a child is acting up it’s often because they’ve moved on and you’ve not recognised that they have moved on and capable of more, give them more leeway or ask enquiring questions and watch how they respond.
