How to deal with Toddlers in their terrible two
What it could be like when you want to say something but you can't. It would be frustrating, right! It is the same with my boy or any other toddler in the world.
 |
| PC: mykidmyblog.blogspot.com |
Toddlers, especially the age of 1.5 -2.5 yrs old are in the "Terrible Two" phase. Sometimes, they are so happy and playful then suddenly the switch triggers ON. They want to tell you something but can't express it since they can't talk, then they start being cranky and end up crying non-stop. When the reason is obvious like, they are hurt or hungry or sleepy, it's easy to understand their demands and easy to console them. But sometimes it gets very hard to understand the reason for crying. I believe, all moms of a Toddler do face this terrible two-phase. They keep trying to figure out what's going on with their child.
This is the age when they start walking around and try to explore new things with their tiny-winy feet. They get so excited when they see new things and hope to catch them. So let them be an explorer and let them experience new things to learn more and more.
My boy who is 1.5 years old now, whenever he sees something new and tries to get that, he observes that thing deeply. While observing he gives a big smile with a hint of frown and says, "This". It was his first clear word which he used to use for almost everything. And That moment used to be our "get activated " moment. We used to run to see what is in his hand now since he loves to throw things down from the balcony. We really had "Oh" moment a lot of time. Now we have a net guard on our balcony which literally spoiled the view of the national park.
We, including me, my husband, and my 8 yrs old "well-behaved" daughter love his cute vicious smile. He is super-d-duper naughty. He definitely gives a smile when he is up to something or he's done something.
Let me tell you something, nurturing and nourishing a kid isn't an easy job. We need to be very careful and responsible for anything we do. Here are a few tips which can help you to understand kids' behavior and to know how to deal with it.
 |
PC: @TemptingTastebuds |
- We are the first teacher in their lives. We need to understand their needs, watch their behavior, and teach them how to behave appropriately at home or in public. Treat your child the same whether you are at home or in public. If they start screaming or crying for something when you are passing a toy store, don't go back and give them that toy. Try to talk to them and distract them with something else. Likewise asking them for some help or play with the toy that they already have.
- When they are throwing tantrums, they are emotionally frazzled. You need to stay calm and don't reinforce your escalated emotion. If your temper goes high, your child will learn and will behave the same. So try to avoid making eye contact with them when they are throwing tantrums and wait until they calm down. Once they are, talk to them about it and tell them about alternatives.
- We are "The role model" for them. Kids do learn everything that they see, so do the same as you want from your kid. They observe you when you talk or eat or do anything. You can't expect your child more than what you really do.
- Their senses of understanding are developing at this age and they try to communicate. Sometimes they become aggressive and start biting or hitting. Don't worry!! It's part of their development. But of course, we need to let them know that, "The behavior is unacceptable". Teach them how to ask for what they want and praise them when they really follow you.
 |
PC: @TemptingTastebuds We need to be aware and pre-knowing their target that, "What is gonna be next?" As I did mention above that my toddler loves to throw things down whether it's from our balcony down or from bed to the floor. He throws things down and tries to locate them again. It's part of developing motor skills. This activity needs well-developed fine motor skills when they open their fingers and let the thing fall down freely. They are learning coordination between their action and their sight. Again, we need to give reactions to them about good throw and bad throw or what is okay if they throw and not okay. |
- In this phase, the child learns to say No first. Let them own it !! Give them two choices for everything to avoid the No factor. Give them a positive environment. For instance, ask them if they want to have juice or milk. Or, do you wanna wear a pink skirt or a flower print legging. Two choices are enough to keep them happy and make them independent to make their own choices.
- Sharing is a good way to develop social skills. When your kid is playing with his/her friend/s, encourage them for sharing their toys and teach them to wait for their turn. Yeah! Don't forget your part of appreciation when your kid does share his/her toys.
- Let them help you. If your child likes to help you in your daily chores like keeping things in the right place or spreading sheets with you or putting toys back in the basket or the shelf, appreciate their efforts and encourage them by cleaning their toys up with them.
 |
PC: @TemptingTastebuds |
My boy has developed the habit of keeping things back to the place where they belong. When we are done with our morning tea/milk, he takes cups inside and keeps them on the kitchen platform on his own and he brings snacks box out when he is hungry and after having snacks he takes boxes inside the kitchen and keeps them on the right place.
Another incident I want to share with you guys - Once he took me to the kitchen to get a mop for wiping milk from the floor, I took the mop from my kitchens' windowsill but didn't close the window. He stepped ahead and closed the window by himself and then he took me to the area where I had to wipe the milk from the floor. That was my OMG! (happily) moment.
These are a few tips to handle toddlers' terrible two stages without making it more troublesome. Give your child enough space to make them independent. Let them grow naturally but steer them in a good direction to have a beautiful, healthy, and disciplined life.
--By Arti Surana Jain
Follow me on Insta and Facebook:
*Post your comment and share your experiences with us.
