Parenting is one of the hardest things in the world. And children can be some of the hardest to deal with, and any parent knows that.
But some strategies are much more effective than others.
This is what works:
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1. Consistency is key.
One of the most important things to remember when parenting a toddler is to be consistent. Toddlers thrive on routine and predictability, so it’s essential to establish rules and expectations early on and stick to them. This doesn’t mean that you can’t be flexible – every family is different, and there will be times when you need to adjust your schedule – but try to maintain as much consistency as possible.
2. Use positive reinforcement.
When your toddler does something that you want them to do, make sure to praise them! Positive reinforcement is a great way to encourage desired behavior. Avoid using negative words such as “no” or “don’t” as much as possible, as these can have the opposite effect and lead to tantrums or defiance.
3. Set limits.
Set limits with your toddler and let them know what behaviors are acceptable and what are not. This will help them feel secure and prevent them from acting out. Try to be firm but fair, and avoid getting into power struggles with your child. If they test your limits, remain calm and consistent in your response.
4. Encourage independence.
Toddlers are just beginning to gain a sense of independence, so it’s vital to encourage this by giving them opportunities to do things on their own. For example, let them choose what clothes they want to wear or what food they want to eat (within reason). Allowing them some control over their environment will help boost their confidence and self-esteem.
Interacting with other children is essential to a toddler’s development, so it’s important to promote social skills early. Encourage your child to share toys, take turns, and be respectful of others. You can also join a playgroup or participate in other activities that allow them to interact with other kids their age.
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6. Teach basic manners.
Now is a great time to start teaching your basic toddler manners, such as please and thank you. Model the behavior yourself and praise your child when they use suitable methods. You can also make a game out of it by having them “feed” you pretend food or giving them a sticker for using their manners properly.
7. Instill a love for learning.
Toddlers are like sponges – they absorb information quickly and are always eager to learn new things! As a parent, you can foster this love of learning by reading books, singing songs, playing games that teach counting or shapes, etc. There are endless possibilities – just let your imagination run wild!
8. Get down on their level.
When communicating with a toddler, it’s essential to get down on their level physically (kneel or sit on the floor) and emotionally (speak in a soft voice without using big words). This will help them feel comfortable and more likely to listen to what you say.
9. Avoid power struggles at all costs.
As tempting as it may be, you should avoid any power struggle with your toddler. This can lead to frustration on both sides and cause more harm than good in the long run. Instead, try to remain calm and consistent in your responses, and do your best to meet them where they are.
10. Refrain from negotiating with toddlers.
When setting limits with your toddler, it is not helpful to try and negotiate or reason with them. Trying to compromise or give in to their demands can lead to power struggles and cause frustration on both sides. Instead, remain calm and consistent in your responses when they act out and strive to meet them where they are emotional. This will help establish healthy boundaries and promote positive behavior in the long run.​
11. Relax and enjoy the journey!
Parenting a toddler can be challenging, but it’s also a fantastic experience that should be savored and appreciated. Even if you have your fair share of frustrations or struggles, remember why you decided to have children in the first place – because they bring so much joy and happiness into our lives. So relax, take a deep breath, and remind yourself that this shall pass!
Use these parenting strategies that work with toddlers.
Overall, there are many things you can do to help your toddler thrive and grow during this critical stage of development. Some key strategies include using positive reinforcement, setting limits, and fostering a love of learning. Additionally, it’s essential to remain calm and patient during difficult moments and avoid power struggles at all costs. Most importantly, remember to enjoy these precious early years – they will be gone before you know it!
