Toddlers are very fun, exciting and challenging at times. They will test your patience and your very last nerve, ;-) However, On the other side we don't want us to be too tight with them, to the point of affecting their psychological and social development.
So, what is the best approach in minding our child?
I am not an expert in child minding, nor i did not study children's emotional development. However, I mainly applied and do my observation thru experience as a Nanny for 9 years.
a. Ensures safety
- child proofing your house. don't leave your child unattended. children are curious to try about anything. updated CPR technique is necessary.
b. Joining parents club
- connecting with other parents and sharing tips in raising toddlers is like a pat in the back, 'saying your not alone'. You can also get an ideas for shopping bargains and kid- friendly places, or a swap Baby sitting schedules.
c. Self - time
- This is the most essential survival tip for parents.try to meditate and relaxed and it goes a long way. go for a walk or nurture a hobby, (I do DIY when my little one is sleeping). take a cup of tea or go out with your friends.
d. Handles Tantrums
- Be calm, breathe deeply. soothe or hug your child. Distracts him by singing or pointing to things that it can interest him. offer choices limited in to two, Giving warning is important too, so he knows what to expect next.
e. De clutters
- Encourage him to clean up with you, make it fun by singing or turn it in to a game, (raising game). storage boxes so you can put all your toys altogether. Give away the toys that are too small for him to play or toys he have up grown. Rotating toys as well so so all the toys are not all outside at once.
f. Saying NO
- Don't ask a yes or no question. It most likely lead to tantrums. Limit his choices, (would you like peas or brocolli?)
g. Try not to say NO every time
- Avoid saying No each time instead, instead changing it to NO, THANK YOU. be firm when you said No, and that means without negotiations. always give warnings and set limits. he needs to know what expected in him and his consequences.
h. Go for a trip
- Going somewhere even a short trip can be as rejuvenating to everyone. a change in the scenery can be relaxing to you and your child. eg; If he is fascinated with train, take him to the railroad tracks, or a trip to the store that sells his favourite toys.
i. Take a break
- Taking a break when both of you are feeling upset. calm down and breathe deeply, or leave the room but make sure he doesn't get hurt himself.
j. Routine
- This saves a ton of time energy and a possibility of tantrums. It is important for young children to have a routine so that it helps them to know what to expect next . It also give time to the mother to do other chores.
k. Manners
- Be a model of what you would want your child to approach things. children's tend to copy a lot with their primary caregiver's. eg; the tone of your voice, a talking voice or a yelling voice.
l. Couple's life
- make time for each other. don't forget about yourself and your husband. Talk and listen. (arrange a baby sitting service for a night out).
Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.
Proverbs 22:6
Thank you very much for reading. Wishing you a Happy and wonderful day. Let's be awesome!
Much love to you all
Sheryl