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Toddlers' Behavior

lioness

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The toddler years are full of fun, exploration, and learning! But it can also be a trying time for parents and caregivers as toddlers assert their independence and test limits. Let's discuss all things behavioral - from managing tantrums to promoting good manners and everything in between. Share your experiences, challenges, and effective strategies you've discovered along the way with other parents in this fun and supportive group!
 
The key to managing my son's behaviour has really been setting expectations and following through on them consistently. He's almost three and very vocal about his wants and needs, so we've had many conversations about how some behaviors are acceptable and will be rewarded, and others won't be tolerated and have consequences.

We use a simple star chart system which has worked wonders for us. We sat him down and explained that if he wanted to earn stars and eventually trade them in for rewards, he had to follow the rules we would set together - things like sharing toys, speaking politely, no hitting or biting etc. We also incorporated natural consequences into his everyday - so if he refused to share his toys, we took the toy away temporarily because obviously, you can't play with it if you won't share!

We made the chart together, with him choosing the rewards and helping stick on the stars, which was fun for him and also helped him understand the process. He's really responded well to it - of course, there are still daily challenges, but it's given us a great framework to refer back to and has taught him about consistency and following through too!

It might seem simple, but it's worked really well for us so far and helped keep tantrums at bay! Would love to hear your strategies too!
 
That's fantastic to hear! Using those positive reinforcement strategies is a great way to manage your son's behaviour and it's awesome that he's responded so well to the structure you've set up.

The star chart system sounds like a fun and engaging way to teach him about consequences and consistency, and involving him in the process is a brilliant idea! It's amazing how often the simple strategies are the most effective.

With my toddler, we focus a lot on redirection and giving her plenty of advance warning when it's time to transition to a new activity or leave the park etc. We also make sure to give lots of specific praise for positive behaviours - which she thrives on!

It's definitely an ever-evolving process, but it's so rewarding seeing them learn and grow with these strategies.
 
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That's great to hear about your experience and strategy too! Redirection is a lifesaver, especially when they're young and learning so rapidly. The advance warning is a fantastic tip - it really helps to prepare them mentally and gives them some autonomy, which is so important as they assert their independence.

Specific praise has been such a helpful tool for us as well; it's amazing how observant toddlers are and how much they flourish with positive reinforcement. We've also found that including our daughter in the process by giving her some choices helps her feel involved and engaged - which often saves a tantrum over minor things!

It definitely is a constant learning curve but those simple strategies really are the foundations that make all the difference. Love hearing everyone's experiences!
 
We've also found giving our kids some advance notice for transitions works really well. For instance, a five-minute warning before leaving the park helps them prepare and saves us from major meltdowns. And it's impressive how much they understand and cooperate when given some notice!

Specific praise and giving choices definitely make them feel involved and in control - a win-win for everyone! These little things help create such a positive environment and make parenting so much more enjoyable too!
 
That's an excellent point about giving kids advance notice. Giving them some control and preparing them for what's next really helps their understanding and cooperation. Specific praise and offering choices are great ways to involve them and make them feel valued too. These strategies can really contribute to a happy and positive environment, which is wonderful to see!
 
We've also found giving our kids some advance notice for transitions works really well. For instance, a five-minute warning before leaving the park helps them prepare and saves us from major meltdowns. And it's impressive how much they understand and cooperate when given some notice!

Specific praise and giving choices definitely make them feel involved and in control - a win-win for everyone! These little things help create such a positive environment and make parenting so much more enjoyable too!
It's really quite amazing how these straightforward strategies can make such a big difference, especially when you see the kids respond so positively to them! It's encouraging for sure.

It's also nice to hear everyone's experiences and different takes on managing tot's behavior - lots of gems to pick up! Makes me feel more prepared as the little one starts asserting her independence too.
 
It's such a nice feeling when you see positive responses from your kids, especially after employing strategies that work so well. I agree it's beneficial to hear different perspectives and experiences - the more insight, the better! It's an ever-evolving process too, so it's good to be prepared for the little one's asserting her independence.
 
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It really is encouraging when you see that the strategies you've implemented are making a positive impact! I find it helpful to keep an open mind and stay adaptable, especially since little ones seem to constantly keep us on our toes as they grow and develop! It's awesome to hear about other parents' experiences and what works for them - makes us all feel less alone in this parenting journey!
 
It really is encouraging when you see that the strategies you've implemented are making a positive impact! I find it helpful to keep an open mind and stay adaptable, especially since little ones seem to constantly keep us on our toes as they grow and develop! It's awesome to hear about other parents' experiences and what works for them - makes us all feel less alone in this parenting journey!
Absolutely! It's great to have insights from others' experiences. Every kid is different, but it's amazing how some universal themes come up too - like the value of positive reinforcement and giving kids some grace periods! Certainly helps to keep strategies up our sleeves as situations arise.
 
It's true, every parent could use an extra trick up their sleeve when it comes to managing kid's behavior. It's so interesting to observe how different children respond to the same techniques too. There's often more than one way to skin a cat (so to speak), and having a repertoire of strategies helps us adapt our approach when needed!
 
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It's true, every parent could use an extra trick up their sleeve when it comes to managing kid's behavior. It's so interesting to observe how different children respond to the same techniques too. There's often more than one way to skin a cat (so to speak), and having a repertoire of strategies helps us adapt our approach when needed!
Having a variety of strategies is helpful because every child is unique in their response to the same technique. As parents, we've got to keep our toolbox of tricks well-stocked since plans can quickly change with toddlers! It's fun to explore these strategies and see what works best for our little ones.
 
Having a variety of strategies is helpful because every child is unique in their response to the same technique. As parents, we've got to keep our toolbox of tricks well-stocked since plans can quickly change with toddlers! It's fun to explore these strategies and see what works best for our little ones.
different personalities call for different approaches, and it's intriguing how similarly distinct techniques can work wonders for one child but not another. Keeping the toolbox filled offers us excitement and hope - almost like a secret weapon against tantrums and challenges!
 
So true! It's fascinating how unique each child is and how, as parents, we have to adapt our strategies accordingly. The "one size fits all" approach just doesn't apply to toddlers - they're simply too individualistic! keeping that toolbox well-stocked gives us an edge and keeps the parenting journey interesting!
 
we parents have to constantly adapt our approaches with our little individualistic toddlers! It's a challenge but keeping our strategies diverse is such an engaging part of the parenting experience. No room for monotony when it comes to these little balls of energy!
 
So very true! Their personalities are just starting to shine through and they're so inquisitive - we have to keep them on their toes, and ourselves too! I feel like every day is a new adventure and challenge but it's so rewarding seeing them grow and learn. What do you find most challenging (and fun!) about this stage?
 
So very true! Their personalities are just starting to shine through and they're so inquisitive - we have to keep them on their toes, and ourselves too! I feel like every day is a new adventure and challenge but it's so rewarding seeing them grow and learn. What do you find most challenging (and fun!) about this stage?
The most challenging part has got to be balancing discipline with holistic development - especially when my younger child tests boundaries. She's an active soul who wants the world now, so redirecting her attention and energies requires much effort and creativity!

The fun part about this stage is seeing their little minds at work - how they think, solve problems and imagine the most wondrous things is truly fascinating! Keeping up with their boundless energy also keeps me on my feet and adds an unexpected thrill to motherhood. It's like an adventure figuring them out every day, isn't it?
 
So very true! Their personalities are just starting to shine through and they're so inquisitive - we have to keep them on their toes, and ourselves too! I feel like every day is a new adventure and challenge but it's so rewarding seeing them grow and learn. What do you find most challenging (and fun!) about this stage?
The constant tantrums and negotiating with toddlers can be tiresome. I remember having to speak strategically as if handling some delicate international crisis negotiations! And when reasoning and logic don't work, the next best thing is keeping a consistent routine. You just have to remind yourself that this phase will pass. That's the most challenging and fun part of being a parent to a toddler - or rather, trying to keep up with a tiny, curious dictator!
 
The most challenging part has got to be balancing discipline with holistic development - especially when my younger child tests boundaries. She's an active soul who wants the world now, so redirecting her attention and energies requires much effort and creativity!

The fun part about this stage is seeing their little minds at work - how they think, solve problems and imagine the most wondrous things is truly fascinating! Keeping up with their boundless energy also keeps me on my feet and adds an unexpected thrill to motherhood. It's like an adventure figuring them out every day, isn't it?
Motherhood brings unexpected surprises and keeping up with curious toddlers definitely keeps us on our toes! The boundless imagination and their take on the world never fail to amaze; it's like we're seeing the world through their eyes. It's a special journey - full of surprises and little miracles everyday!
 
Motherhood brings unexpected surprises and keeping up with curious toddlers definitely keeps us on our toes! The boundless imagination and their take on the world never fail to amaze; it's like we're seeing the world through their eyes. It's a special journey - full of surprises and little miracles everyday!
As parents, we just have to embrace the challenges that come with raising strong-willed toddlers and find our joy in the midst of it all! Their unwavering determination can shape them into incredible individuals later on. We've got this!
 

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