The toddler years can be very trying on any parent. As these babies transition into people with ideas and opinions, they want to exert some independence and control. Many have likened toddlers to little terrorists. They will hold you hostage with their tantrums and demands, and then turn on their charm to get what they want. But they are also crucial years, when you get an opportunity to develop the way you will parent and interact for many years to come. Exert the right amount of authority now, and teach as much as you can, and the rewards will be fruitful for all the years to come.
Let’s see what you would do in some of the most common toddler situations.
The best answer is #3. You are prepared and chose a suitable snack that you're comfortable with, and you've told your child what to expect and what is expected of him. #2 would also be okay, as long as you are truly comfortable with him having the cookie. #1 is not a bad idea, but falls short of avoiding a public meltdown.
The best answer is #3. You are prepared and chose a suitable snack that you're comfortable with, and you've told your child what to expect and what is expected of him. #2 would also be okay, as long as you are truly comfortable with him having the cookie. #1 is not a bad idea, but falls short of avoiding a public meltdown.
The best answer is #3. You are prepared and chose a suitable snack that you're comfortable with, and you've told your child what to expect and what is expected of him. #2 would also be okay, as long as you are truly comfortable with him having the cookie. #1 is not a bad idea, but falls short of avoiding a public meltdown.
The bet answer is #3. There is a teachable and empowering moment here that you ought to take advantage of. #1 is not ideal, because while leaving would deescalate the problem, you've missed a learning opportunity as well as yelled at and shamed your child. #2 is just not developmentally appropriate. Kids this age need guidance to solve problems.
The bet answer is #3. There is a teachable and empowering moment here that you ought to take advantage of. #1 is not ideal, because while leaving would deescalate the problem, you've missed a learning opportunity as well as yelled at and shamed your child. #2 is just not developmentally appropriate. Kids this age need guidance to solve problems.
The bet answer is #3. There is a teachable and empowering moment here that you ought to take advantage of. #1 is not ideal, because while leaving would deescalate the problem, you've missed a learning opportunity as well as yelled at and shamed your child. #2 is just not developmentally appropriate. Kids this age need guidance to solve problems.
Both #1 and #2 are your best chance for an enjoyable evening out. While at some point, you will want your child to learn to sit appropriately in a restaurant for a longer and nicer meal, the toddler years are not the best time to expect this. #3 assumes that your toddler is developmentally capable of something that he is not. Having unrealistic expectations is a recipe for failure.
Both #1 and #2 are your best chance for an enjoyable evening out. While at some point, you will want your child to learn to sit appropriately in a restaurant for a longer and nicer meal, the toddler years are not the best time to expect this. #3 assumes that your toddler is developmentally capable of something that he is not. Having unrealistic expectations is a recipe for failure.
Both #1 and #2 are your best chance for an enjoyable evening out. While at some point, you will want your child to learn to sit appropriately in a restaurant for a longer and nicer meal, the toddler years are not the best time to expect this. #3 assumes that your toddler is developmentally capable of something that he is not. Having unrealistic expectations is a recipe for failure.
The correct answer is #1. Letting toddlers know what to expect is very helpful for them. It is hard for them to transition and hard to stop doing something they enjoy. Imagine if someone just grabbed your cell phone right out of your hand while you were looking at social media and enjoying yourself. Do not bribe, unless you wish to offer something to your child every time you want him to listen to you, because that is what will happen. And don’t yell at him; as annoying as the behavior is, it is totally age appropriate. Just calmly turn off the TV and follow through with going outside to play.
The correct answer is #1. Letting toddlers know what to expect is very helpful for them. It is hard for them to transition and hard to stop doing something they enjoy. Imagine if someone just grabbed your cell phone right out of your hand while you were looking at social media and enjoying yourself. Do not bribe, unless you wish to offer something to your child every time you want him to listen to you, because that is what will happen. And don’t yell at him; as annoying as the behavior is, it is totally age appropriate. Just calmly turn off the TV and follow through with going outside to play.
The correct answer is #1. Letting toddlers know what to expect is very helpful for them. It is hard for them to transition and hard to stop doing something they enjoy. Imagine if someone just grabbed your cell phone right out of your hand while you were looking at social media and enjoying yourself. Do not bribe, unless you wish to offer something to your child every time you want him to listen to you, because that is what will happen. And don’t yell at him; as annoying as the behavior is, it is totally age appropriate. Just calmly turn off the TV and follow through with going outside to play.
Both #2 and #3 are good tactics. I advise against #1, because it sets up the idea that your child gets to make all of his own decisions. While it is good to sometimes let them choose (orange shirt or blue one), bathing is not optional, so you need to exert your authority on this one.
Both #2 and #3 are good tactics. I advise against #1, because it sets up the idea that your child gets to make all of his own decisions. While it is good to sometimes let them choose (orange shirt or blue one), bathing is not optional, so you need to exert your authority on this one.
Both #2 and #3 are good tactics. I advise against #1, because it sets up the idea that your child gets to make all of his own decisions. While it is good to sometimes let them choose (orange shirt or blue one), bathing is not optional, so you need to exert your authority on this one.