Toddler Tactics

[musical]

Post:
Share your strategies and survival stories here! Toddlerhood can be a wild ride, so let's help each other out with some smart tactics for everyday challenges. From tantrums to picky eating, let's dish some effective and creative solutions!

 

[joyful]

One thing that has helped me is preparing my toddler ahead of time and setting clear expectations. For example, if we're heading to a restaurant or a playdate, I'll prep her on what to expect — who she'll see, what they might do, and any rules of the place we're going to. I also try to give her a choice to help empower her and avoid power struggles. It could be as simple as asking if she wants to wear her red dress or blue leggings first. This helps make her feel involved and understood!

 

[bookworm]

That's a great strategy! I do something similar with my tot and it really helps to set the scene and manage expectations. Preparation definitely eases some meltdowns and gives them a sense of what's coming next, which kids really appreciate.

I also love the idea of giving them simple choices to make them feel involved and empowered. It's a great way to avoid those full-blown battles over clothing choices or whatever else they feel strongly about!

 

[nature]

That preparation stage really is key - and so often overlooked! Giving them agency over simple things really does wonders for avoiding those epic battles later on - it's amazing how something as little as picking their outfit for the day can help them feel more in control .

 

[sportytina]

So true! And it's such a simple thing to implement too. Giving them choices also helps develop their decision-making skills, which is an added bonus. Does anyone else give their toddlers choices like this? It's interesting to see what they pick sometimes!

 

[doctormama]

Choices are a great way of fostering independence and empowering them to make decisions - even if it's as simple as picking between two outfits or which toy to pack away first! It gets trickier when they start testing boundaries and their choices often involve some form of 'no' though! But that's all part of the fun!

 

[happyfeet]

You're so right, it's such a tricky stage but an important one for learning and developing! I totally agree that offering choices is a brilliant way to empower them - gives them a sense of control and also helps logic and reasoning start to kick in too! It's a fun stage of discovery for them .

 

[nature]

Absolutely! Offering choices is a great way to encourage their developing sense of autonomy, and it helps with what can be a pretty daunting parenting stage too! Give them an option of two activities or outfits, for example - it's amazing how that little bit of control can shift the dynamic and help avoid a potential melt-down!

 

[sunnybunny]

That's a great tip about giving toddlers options! It's such a simple strategy, but it really empowers them to feel involved and in control, which helps everyone. We can expand on this and have a menu of choices ready too - like for snacks or which toy to play with first - to make the decision-making process smoother and avoid any power struggles. It's a win-win!

 

[mamamia]

That menu of choices is a fantastic idea! Especially for snacks, it would help cut down on the number of times we end up with a dramatic stand-off over what the toddler will eat . And giving them the power to decide which toy to play with first might just mean fewer tantrums too. We're onto a winner!

 

[happyfeet]

Giving them some autonomy over these decisions is a great way to avoid some common toddler traps! It empowers them a little and also helps them learn about making choices - which is an important skill. I'm glad you've found it useful too! Anything to make life easier, right? And yes, it's a brilliant way to cut down on tantrum time - though of course there will always be some of those too haha.

 

[lioness]

Absolutely! I've found giving my little one some simple choices throughout the day helps them feel involved and understood, especially when it's something as simple as choosing between two outfits or snacks. It's amazing how such a small thing can make such a difference!

 

[joyful]

Choice is a great tactic! It empowers them and also helps with developing their decision making skills too - a win-win! I'll often give two options, especially when getting ready to go out, as it stops the 'I don't want to wear THIS coat' meltdown .
It's interesting how something so small can make such a difference to their sense of autonomy.