I read a blog post the other day about how a toddler is just a "baby on wheels"... they have a lot of physical abilities but they're still working hon expressing themselves and knowing about what is dangerous and what's not.
It definitely struck a cord with me, especially because the mom posting talked about how you have to have distractions ready to go. Like an arsenal of other options to throw at your child when they want to watch TV all day or climb up on to the hutch and eat thread... you know, stuff like that.
I've also realized that, in addition to this tactic, the best thing (for me at least) is saying yes. Not to Elliot's every whim, but guiding him throughout the day to good activities and then taking every chance to say "Yes! We can do that!" to the ones he picks. 3 billion books? Yes! Snuggling stuffed animals? Yes! Coloring for several hours, collectively? Yes!
The reason I found this out, was first, Elliot's love of the word no when he was younger and now when he's sad and ornery. But also, the impact that me saying the big N-O has on him... Simple things like watching Sesame Street clips on youtube can go two ways...
Elliot - "Elmo?"
Me - "No."
Elliot - screams and pouts
or
Elliot - "Elmo?"
Me - "Let's read a book about Elmo!"
Elliot - well, he still wants to watch the videos, but will accept the substitute if I read it at least twice and then several more books
What are some little tricks you have for parenting toddlers?
1 comments:
offer acceptable choices, like if you are going somewhere and they need to come, offer would you like a piggy back to the car or would you like to race? I have found it really helps especially when they are starting to want to do things on their own!
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