Parenting toddlers is like a roller coaster ride in itself. There are days when you face ups, days when you face downs, and days when you are all over the place! One moment you are surprised by the cute antics of your toddlers, and in another moment you’re researching helpful parenting tips to take care of your kid’s tantrums. Caring for your toddler who is in the age group of 1-2 years, brings with it some unique challenges. Thus, to calm them down and grow them up with positive parenting tools and tips, we as parents need to be fully prepared.
Parenting Tips to Nurture Your 1-2 Year Old Toddlers
Here are some tips for your rescue. These tips cover a wide range of aspects such as handling routines, strategies for dealing with tantrums, encouraging communication and many more.
- Understand the world from your toddler’s eyes
Your toddler views the world from a different lens than yours. For them, each day is a new surprise and each finding is a new discovery. Sometimes their actions may puzzle you because they may go against the socially acceptable norms. But remember that your toddler is just in the process of exploring their surroundings with beaming curiosity. Therefore, understanding the why behind their good or cranky behavior would definitely make things easier for you as a parent. - Encourage Simple Communication
Your toddler in the age group of 1-2 years has a limited vocabulary. They are dependent on actions, sounds, and expressions to convey their message. Therefore, it is recommended that as a parent you are patient with them. A helpful guide such as 8 Best Parenting Tips for Parents to Raise Their Toddlers would be of great help in this aspect. After all, the more you try to understand your kid’s different forms of communication, the better it would be to understand them more clearly. - Set Up Simple Routines
Toddlers feel relaxed when they know what is coming next. Setting up a routine for them, like fixing their sleeping and bathing time, sending them to a quality Toddler Program, regulating their meal timings and likewise, are all helpful in making your toddler secure about their upcoming routine for the day. This way they are also less likely to feel cranky or anxious. - Handle Tantrums Patiently
Toddlers usually throw tantrums when they are frustrated or feel unable to pass on their thoughts. However, staying calm and composed, making them feel heard does all the magic! - Encourage Independence in Small Ways
Toddlers love trying to do things on their own. Think of them like little birds testing their wings. They need practice to grow confident. Encouraging this independence builds their confidence and helps them develop skills. - Help Them Develop Listening Skills
You might often wonder why your toddler doesn’t listen to you. It is because listening is a skill that we as parents need to teach our kids. It takes time to build, but gradually, with time your toddler’s listening skills will enhance. - Consider joining a quality Mother-Toddler Program
Mother-Toddler Program, like that of Mom & I, by the House of Mother’s Pride is a great way to develop a close bond between you and your toddler. - Find Books and Resources for Parenting Toddlers
A guide is always welcomed when it comes to parenting. Thankfully, in today’s time and age, there are multiple resources online and offline that can help us in understanding more about raising our 1-2 year olds. - Take Out Time for Yourself
Parenting is a journey where you cannot rely totally on preparation. It is an ongoing process where you keep evolving as a parent all throughout your life. In the course of this journey it is needful to pause, reflect and recharge yourself by indulging in your hobbies, taking care of your physical and mental health, and simply being there for yourself too.
Tips to Understand Them Better
Observe First:
Instead of reacting quickly, try to watch what’s happening. Are they tired? Hungry? Or just overwhelmed? Often, a little observation helps you understand their behavior better.
Get Down to Their Eye Level:
Physically kneel or sit to meet your toddler’s eye level. This small act helps them feel seen and heard, making communication easier.
Tips to Help with Communication:
Use Easy Words:
One of the parenting tips is to speak slowly, clearly and emphasize certain keywords of your phrase. For example, if you want to ask your toddler if they want a toy, then you may ask “You want the toy?” and emphasize the word “toy”, to establish the importance of that word to your child.
Praise Their Efforts:
Encourage them when they try to speak or show what they need. Your positive response will make them want to keep trying.
Label Emotions:
Help them learn words for emotions. If they look upset, say, “You seem sad.” This helps them understand feelings and builds a foundation for talking about emotions.
Tips for Setting Routines:
Stick to Set Times:
Try to keep consistent times for meals, naps, and bedtime. For instance, if lunch always comes before naptime, they’ll naturally feel ready for sleep after eating.
Add Fun Little Rituals:
A small ritual can make routines more enjoyable. You might sing a song before bedtime or read a book together. These small traditions create comfort and help them relax.
Tips for Managing Tantrums:
Stay Calm:
When they’re upset, try to stay composed. Reacting calmly can help ease the situation. Speak gently, even if they’re loud.
Acknowledge Your Toddler’s Feelings:
It is important to understand that your acknowledgment means a lot to the toddlers. When you show them that you understand how they feel, they are more likely to listen to you for other things.
Redirect Their Attention:
Sometimes, a simple change of activity can end the tantrum. This includes encouraging them to play with their favourite toy, making their favourite food item, and likewise.
Tips for Building Independence:
Offer Simple Choices:
Let them make small decisions. This makes them feel in control and boosts their confidence.
Teach Small Tasks:
Show them simple actions like putting toys away or wiping their hands. These small skills make them feel capable and important.
Be Patient:
Sometimes they’ll make a mess or take extra time. That’s okay! Encourage their efforts, not perfection.
Tips for Encouraging Listening:
Use Short Instructions:
Give simple and clear directions. When you use short and clear sentences, the kids comprehend the message easily.
Get Their Attention:
Call their name and make eye contact before giving instructions. This simple step helps them focus.
Consistency Helps:
When wondering about parenting tips to ease out the parenting journey, remember one of the golden mantras- Consistency is the key. It helps toddlers understand what is expected of them.
Appreciate Them:
When you appreciate your child’s listening skills when they are correct, they feel motivated to practise active listening with you again and again.
Benefits of joining Mother-Toddler Program:
Parents Involvement:
Programs like this put mothers at the front seat so that they can not only witness their child’s developmental milestones, but they can also learn and grow with the help of specially curated seminars and wellness sessions.
Holistic Growth of Toddler:
The 3-month toddler program or the 6-month toddler program aids in developing the child’s social, physical, emotional, and cognitive growth.
Recommended Books:
The Whole-Brain Child
by Daniel J. Siegel and Tina Payne Bryson
How Toddlers Thrive
by Tovah Klein
No Bad Kids:
Toddler Discipline Without Shame by Janet Lansbury
Parenting:
The Early Years by Dr. William Sears and Martha Sears
Tips for Self-Care as a Parent:
Take Breaks:
When you need a moment, take it. A short break can help you recharge.
Celebrate Small Wins:
Did you stay calm during a tantrum today? Did you make your child laugh? Celebrate these moments.
Connect with Others:
Parenting can feel lonely. Find support by joining a local group, taking a parenting class, or even talking to friends.
Be Kind to Yourself:
Remember, no parent is perfect. Focus on the love and care you give your child. That’s what truly matters.
Parenting a toddler is a fulfilling experience. While you get to see all types of days as a parent, it is the joy of knowing that your toddler is happy and healthy that keeps you going. Moreover, parenting tips can help you understand your child more deeply, thereby strengthening the bond between you two.
Conclusion