How to Raise Cooperative Toddlers- Part 2

The babies are asleep, so here’s part two!
In this post, we will talk about:

1. Bad Behaviour
2. Separation
3. Play Dates
4. Mealtime
5. Bringing another baby home

Bad Behaviour

There are no bad children, only children who haven’t been taught how to behave and interact socially. Similarly, there are no bad parents, just parents who haven’t learned how to teach their toddlers.
When a child displays undesirable behavior, we correct it by showing her the right thing. For eg, if little Johnny throws his toy away because he doesn’t want to use it anymore. Don’t hit him or say you’re bad for doing that – pick up the toy and say, Johnny, the toy goes IN the toybox when we are finished playing. Does this mean little Johnny will put the toy back in the box next time he’s finished playing?
Nope, it sure doesn’t. That’s your opportunity to show him again. Remember what we said in Part 1, (if you haven’t read it, the link is below). Toddlers need constant repetition and reinforcement to LEARN because their brain is still not yet developed and it won’t be fully developed until they are at least 25 years old.
They are starting from scratch, literally.

Separation

I’m not sure who this is hardest for, the babies or the parents. Eventually, there comes a time when we become separated from our children. It is during these moments our children will learn to trust us and so we must be honest with them.
If you are leaving to do a quick errand, don’t just run through the door because you don’t want her to cry, tell her you are leaving and that you’ll come back soon. Yes, she will cry  (maybe you too ) but when you come back, she learns she can trust you, and eventually crying will be less or not at all.

Play Dates

Why are play dates important?
They begin the process of socialization which helps to set up our toddlers for the world ahead. A play date is usually one-on-one and is set up usually by one parent calling the other. They meet up at one of their houses and the children play together. If you are the parent hosting this, then set up a safe place for the children to play. The time should generally be an hour or two (usually until one gets tired). Try to avoid going for more than 2 hours to reduce instances of conflict.

Mealtimes

Are you wondering when your little one is ready to join you at the table ?
The truth is, as soon as he is able to sit up or is reaching for food, then its time for him to sit in his high chair and eat with the family.
Start with finger food that isn’t so messy and don’t be surprised when most of the food ends up on the floor. Put a newspaper under the highchair or a mat so clean up is easy afterwards. This is a whole new world of exploration, embrace it!
If you create an enjoyable atmosphere when its time for food. Your toddler is much more likely to eat in a space where he is at ease.
I remember when Adam started eating in his high chair, most of it ended up on the floor but now he’s 17 months- he feeds himself most times and there’s much less food on the floor.
I say that to say, this messy phase won’t last forever.

Bringing another Baby Home

My husband and I recently welcomed our daughter into the world and now our firstborn has a sibling! How lovely.
I wanted to share some tips I found most helpful when I brought her home.

• Greet your toddler first in the morning! Show him lots of love and take him to see his sibling.
•  Involve him in her care (to the degree he is able) and praise him for his kind acts. This will let him feel appreciated.

• Never leave your toddler alone with the baby. If you didn’t have eyes in the back of your head before, now is the time to get them, seriously.

Summing it up

Our Toddlers crave our patience, they need it to be cooperative. When they do something wrong, show them the right thing. Be honest with them, encourage exploration (within limits of course) and praise them for a job well done!

Thank you so much for reading!
Share this with your friends and leave a comment! I’d love to know more tips on raising our tiny humans

Til next week
Abby 

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