Parenting toddlers can be difficult, but it’s important to remember that their brains cannot yet control themselves.
As a parent, you play an essential role in guiding your child and showing them unconditional love and approval of their worth.
Below are some principles and strategies to help you become a better parent to your young child.
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Building a strong connection with your child is essential to help manage their emotions and behavior. You can achieve this by playing with them, showing affection through touch, acknowledging their feelings, actively listening, and reflecting on what they say.
It’s also essential to help them navigate tricky situations by giving them the words to express themselves, understanding their point of view, and guiding them towards positive options and coping strategies.
Give Power and Choice
Remember to give your child choices and independence. This helps build their confidence and prevent tantrums. Toddlers act out when they feel powerless, so it’s important to ask questions and engage their curiosity to involve their thinking.
Redirecting their attention to something new and exciting can help them stay calm and focused. This method of parenting is tailored to each child’s specific needs and abilities.
Understand the Causes of Tantrums
Remember, tantrums often happen because a child is hungry, lonely, tired, has too much energy, or is overstimulated. When your child has a tantrum, it’s important to acknowledge their feelings and needs, help them find the right words to express themselves and guide them towards other options.
It’s also important to show understanding by recognizing their emotions and providing comfort and support. Understand why they acted as they did, what they need to learn, and when to teach them (not during the tantrum).
Internalize Love and Approval
Remember to love your child, even when they are at their worst, so they can learn to love themselves. Treat them the way you want them to feel about themselves. Your behavior toward them will shape how they interact with others in the future.
Encourage your child’s natural curiosity and avoid being too controlling. Most importantly, make sure your child knows that you love them unconditionally.
Parenting toddlers can be challenging, but by focusing on staying connected, giving them choices, understanding why they have tantrums, and showing them love and approval, you can help your child develop healthy self-esteem.
