Top 5 Toddler Tips

Toddlers are fascinating little beings. They can go from laughing to crying in a split second, and their parents can go from laughing to crying even faster. The technical definition of a toddler is a child between 12-36 months of age (but personally, I think toddler behaviors can extend to more like 48 months), so they’re really just trying to figure out: Am I big kid or a baby? And they will go back and forth between the two daily. A toddler may easily cry if they don't get what they want and they may also insist in putting on their own pants (even if they repeatedly put both legs in the same side and can’t walk). They may hide your keys in the dryer or scavenge and store their precious belongings like a squirrel. They are both simplistic and complex at the same time, and so hilarious. I’m getting nostalgic for my kids’ toddler years just writing this!

Toddlers’ brains develop at a rapid pace. Within a period of a couple years, most toddlers learn to walk, run, jump, ride a tricycle, climb, and yes, fall. They learn to communicate, talk, make associations, match, build, hold a crayon, feed themselves, play with toys, use their imagination, and listen to stories. We all know the old adage “terrible twos.” Yes, the toddler years are filled with tantrums as they learn to effectively communicate to get their wants and needs met. But, if we can do our best to keep our cool and use the right phrasing, we can make those twos pretty TERRIFIC!

Here are my Top 5 tips for INCREASING your toddler’s cooperation and reducing their tantrums:

1.    USE POSITIVE PHRASING

Tell your toddler what TO do instead of what not to do – “Turn the pages nicely” instead of “Stop ripping the book!”

2.     PRAISE DESIRED BEHAVIOR

Praise, cheer, compliment good listening, communication, playing appropriately, and effort for all of the new things they’re learning!

3.     GIVE CHOICES

Toddlers seek control so give them choices throughout their day! Do you want blueberries or banana? Do you want crayons or markers? Do you want to get dressed or brush your teeth? You can do it nicely or mommy will help you.

4.     PROMPT USING SIGNS/WORDS

Promote communication instead of whining or tantrums by prompting your toddler to use their signs or words. When they start to whine, model SIMPLE words/phrases to narrate what they want. “I want car” and provide lots of reinforcement if they imitate you and definitely give them the car!

5.     GIVE TRANSITION WARNINGS

Prep your toddler for upcoming events, especially changes to the normal routine. Give them 2- and 1-minute warnings before transitioning away from an activity and use “first-then” language so they know what’s coming. “First we’re going to clean up the play-doh, then we can go outside!”

Being the parent or caregiver of a toddler is exhausting, but hopefully their adorable laughs and snuggles more than make up for it!