Six Helpful Tips If You Are Parents of a Toddler
The age of toddlers is often described as a “magical” period for both parents and children, with each new milestone bringing joy and pride. But it can also be an overwhelming experience because toddlers are bundles of energy, full of curiosity, and unique identities and personalities, which require you to be on your toes constantly.
One minute they can be laughing and playing; the next, they may have broken a vase or spilled their juice. At times when they seem to be quietly sitting or playing by themselves, it only means they are planning something even bigger. And if they aren’t busy mischieving, they can be very demanding and persistent with endless questions or requests.
If you are looking for ways to make parenting a toddler easier and more rewarding, here are some tips to help you navigate the journey.
- Address Developmental Delays
Every child is different; they grow and learn at their own pace. Some may take less time to learn or adapt to something, while others may take longer; because of this, the range of what’s normal has gotten pretty wide. Most of these delays aren’t serious, and the majority of the kids catch up through therapy, exercises, or just social interactions. But acknowledging the signs that your child might not have the ability or skills that most children have is important. Doctors term these developmental delays as cognitive, motor, emotional, or physical.
The key to giving your child a chance to live a normal life is immediately getting them needed medical attention. One of the reasons for developmental delays can be cerebral palsy. With healthcare evolving, there are new treatments available for the illness. Consult your doctor and get your child the newest treatment for cerebral palsy that involves a combination of physical and occupational therapy, medications, surgery, and speech-language therapy to ensure long-term health and well-being.
- Create Routines
Routines help toddlers feel safe and secure as they provide structure and predictability. Establishing routines for meals, bedtime, and activities helps toddlers understand what to expect throughout the day and can help reduce frustration.
You can also use routines to teach children valuable skills such as brushing their teeth, getting ready for bed, and putting away toys. Or, you can use routines to teach your toddler about cause and effect by having them complete a task and receive a reward for it.
However, it is vital to remain flexible and adjust the routine as needed. If you force your toddler to stick to a strict routine, it can lead to feelings of anxiety and difficulty adapting to new situations.
- Connect Through Playtime
Playtime is integral to your toddler’s day and can provide an excellent opportunity to bond, learn, and grow. During playtime, you can introduce your toddler to new activities that promote their physical and cognitive development. For example, presenting puzzles or simple board games can help your toddler develop problem-solving skills and learn to think critically.
Likewise, playing with toys such as dolls or action figures can help your toddler practice social skills like sharing and role-playing. You can also tell stories, make them learn nursery rhymes, or draw together to help your child learn linguistic and communication skills. Allow your child to explore their creative side with paints or modeling clay and guide them as they go.
Remember to keep it fun for you and your child. Your toddler will be more receptive to learning if the activities are enjoyable, so don’t be too strict and let them follow their instincts and interests.
- Give Choices
Whether it’s food, clothing, or activities to do during the day, giving your toddler choices can help them develop their autonomy and help them feel like an active participant in the household. It will also foster healthy decision-making skills and problem-solving abilities.
Ideas to give a choice include:
- Sharing a few different snack options at mealtime
- Letting them choose their clothes to wear each day
- Asking them to pick the bedtime story they would like to hear
- Offering a couple of activities they can choose from
- Allowing them to decide the order of their daily activities
- Asking them to choose the chore they would like to do
As your toddler grows older and gains more confidence, you can increase the number of choices. Additionally, you can gradually introduce new tasks for them to make decisions about, such as what foods to try at the grocery store or what activities to do for a day trip.
- Reinforce Positive Behavior
The age from two to four is a crucial development period as children learn how to interact with the world around them. As such, it is important to reinforce positive behavior in your toddler so that they develop an understanding of what’s right or wrong. You can do this through meaningful conversations, tangible rewards, or positive reinforcement, such as providing hugs or kisses when they do something good or clapping when they do something well.
By providing a positive reinforcement system, your toddler will understand that specific behavior is more beneficial than others, which will help shape healthy moral development. Positive reinforcement can be further composed of verbal praise or recognition such as “good job,” “I’m proud of you,” or “you did a great job.” Remember to be consistent and provide recognition often to help your child feel valued and appreciated.
- Choose Your Words Wisely
Toddlers hear and pick up on almost everything, meaning that even small words can significantly affect their development. So, be conscious of your words around your toddler, and ensure they are positive words that uplift them.
Avoid using negative words such as “no”; instead, use phrases like “let’s try it this way” or “try again.” Instead of criticizing your toddler for misbehavior, learn how to deal with their annoying habits and focus on explaining why certain behaviors are unacceptable. Make sure to have a joyous and encouraging tone of voice when speaking to your toddler so they don’t feel discouraged. It will also help them to understand that you are not yelling at them but instead helping them learn.
Conclusion:
Parenting a toddler is a unique and exciting experience. It can be chaotic, overwhelming, and exhausting at times, but it is also filled with magical moments that make the journey worthwhile. Make sure to create a routine, give your child choices to foster independence, and enjoy lots of quality playtime together. Reinforcing positive behavior, choosing positive words, and providing ample encouragement are all essential for helping your toddler flourish and thrive.
Besides, it is also essential to recognize any signs of developmental delays and seek medical attention as soon as possible. With careful observation, appropriate assessment, and timely intervention, you can ensure your toddler’s well-being and healthy development.
