Beginning around two-years-old, children start to assert themselves regularly. They frequently use the language skills, they’ve developed to tell you ‘No’ and use their burgeoning motor skills to resist your help. And though it’s not called the terrible twos for nothing, seeing your child develop their independence can be as encouraging as it is challenging. With a consistent set of rules and the right attitude, you and your child can get through their fussy phase and on to the next with little trouble.
Set a routine
Create structure for your toddler that lasts the whole day. Be sure to set a routine of regular activities that keep them occupied. With a set timetable for daily activities like naptime, lunchtime, playtime, snack time and bedtime, your child will eventually get used to their schedule, which will keep them from growing bored and defiant.
Take a break
Sometimes, a child becomes so impulsive and reckless where you need to remove him from the certain situation. For example, a toddler can make an errand like shopping impossible, if they feel inclined. And when they become too much to handle, your only choice is to put things on pause to deal with them. It’s not difficult for a child to be over stimulated, which can increase their impatience and encourage difficult behavior. Taking a break from a given situation can help them and you to regain a sense of composure.
Model good behavior
Toddlers learn behavior quickly when they see others modeling what they’ve been taught. Thus, instead of telling your toddler to use words like ‘please’ and thank you, demonstrate behaviors to your kid. Being patient, avoiding outbursts— no matter how much they won’t listen— and staying consistent will teach your child about good manners.
Short and sweet
Toddlers are in a conflicting stage of development. They learn from everything they see and do, but their attention spans leave a lot to be desired. Whether your child needs positive reinforcement or a talking-to, they need an explanation that they can understand for why. Explaining the details of why their actions were either commendable or naughty in a way that’s understandable for them is truly an art form. With practice, you’ll be painting a mental image for your child that will help improve and encourage their behavior.
Establish ground rules
Toddlers need simple rules to follow at home. Establishing how they should behave, such as picking up after themselves, and reminding them regularly will help ground their behavior home and elsewhere. So create a few easy household rules and try them out. Give your child reminders and make sure they do the thing at least on a daily basis to ensure the habit will stick.