The Challenges of Parenting Toddlers
One thing to keep in mind is that your toddler’s job is to strive for independence. She is quick to say no just as a way of asserting herself. She may become defiant or throw tantrums. A predictable routine is one way of helping to minimize the number of tantrums. If your child gets up and goes to bed at approximately the same time, eats at the same time, etc., she will have a pretty good idea what to expect each day. Since she knows what to expect, there will be fewer tantrums. Not all tantrums will be eliminated, no matter what you do. When they happen, it is important for parents to stay in control of their own reactions. It does no good for a toddler who has lost control of himself to see his parent lose control as well. It’s also important that you don’t give in to inappropriate demands just to stop a tantrum. You do NOT want to teach your child that throwing a tantrum results in getting what he wants. Remember that your child will try to test whatever limitations you set. Don’t give in! Another challenge of parenting toddlers is how curious and inquisitive they are. Curiosity can get them into a lot of trouble if your home is not childproof. Be vigilant about what they might be able to reach. Your thinking needs to be several steps ahead of theirs. For instance, many parents have been surprised to find out their toddler knows how to open the front door and walk out.
One thing that can be helpful when raising toddlers is to take them outside as much as you can. They are working at developing gross motor skills. They want to run, jump and climb. The great outdoors is helpful not just for burning off energy, but for stimulating their zest for life and eagerness to learn. These are just a few thoughts on parenting toddlers. Each child is an individual and will present his or her own set of challenges. It’s important to take each day as it comes. Praise your child whenever you can. Even though it doesn’t always seem like it, she wants to please you. Keep a positive attitude and believe in your own ability to handle this challenging age. So much of life is dependent on our own attitude. I read a story recently where a woman looked in the mirror and saw she was bald. “Hooray!” she said. “I don’t have to fix my hair today!” How we react to things is the one thing that we have in our control. Enjoy the toddler years as much as you can. Look for the gift and the blessing in each new experience and in each joyful step your child takes toward growing and becoming the individual that she was meant to be.
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