The seven secrets of raising toddlers

Tips to help parents of 2-4 year olds ease the process of parenting

Seven Parenting Secrets for Toddlers

Have you ever tried to convince your three-year-old daughter that you can't go to kindergarten five days in a row wearing a princess costume? Or maybe you've felt ashamed when your child throws a tantrum in the supermarket? With such situations faced by many parents in the early years of life of a child. And raising a child during this period is not an easy task.

The 2-4 years of a child's life is not an easy time for parents. It is at this age that children become more independent and begin to show themselves as a person. However, their ability to communicate with others and reason is still limited.

Psychologists assert that children understand that their actions matter, so they can get what they want by doing certain things. Children want to assert themselves in a way that they could not do before, as infants. But the problem is that they cannot yet control themselves and think rationally. This is still very difficult for them.

Let's look at what parenting strategies parents can use at the age of 2 - 4 to make things easier for the whole family.

1. be consistent

Order and a stable schedule give young children a sense of security in an unpredictable world. When a child knows what to expect during the day, he or she behaves much more restrained and calmly.

Try to stick to the same schedule every day. This means that your child should have consistent time for sleeping, eating, playing, and having fun. If something changes, let your child know ahead of time. If you tell him, "Mom and Dad are going out tonight, Grandma will babysit you," it will prepare him for the change in routine and prevent tantrums before bedtime.

Consistency is also important when it comes to discipline. For example, when a child fights on the playground, the first time you tell him, "You can't fight." Every next time in similar situations, you need to say the same thing.

2. avoid stressful situations

By the time your child is a year old, you will have spent enough time with him to understand what causes him stress. Most often it's hunger, a desire to sleep, or an unfamiliar place. Try to avoid stressors.

Plan your routine: for example, don't go to the store when your child needs to go to bed. Make sure that your child always goes to bed and eats at home. If you and your child are outside, you should always have food on hand in case your child gets hungry. Your walks with your child should not be long, nor should you stand in long lines with your child. Plan to leave the house in advance so you don't have to rush (especially in the morning when you have to take your child to kindergarten and then go to work).

To avoid stress, involve your child in the process. For example, if you need to get ready for kindergarten quickly, set a timer and tell your child to get dressed when it rings. Or, if your child is cranky, you can have him or her choose what clothes to wear today.

Reflect aloud and let your child know what their next routine is. Children understand much more than they can say.

3. Think like a child.

Children are not little adults. They have a hard time understanding many of the things we take for granted. They can't yet follow directions, behave a certain way, etc. If you learn to look at situations from a child's point of view, it can help prevent tantrums.

You can tell your child, "I understand you don't want to get in the car seat. But we need to do it to go to kindergarten." That way you're not forcing the child, you're validating their feelings. You need to set the rules, but do it in a way that is respectful to the child. You will help him or her learn how to deal with life's challenges, frustrations, rules and norms.

When you give the child a choice, it also means you respect him and acknowledge his feelings. When he doesn't want to get in the car, ask him what he wants to take with him: a toy or some food. That way he will feel like he has some control over the situation.

4. Learn how to divert your child's attention

Young children do not know how to concentrate on one thing for a long time. Use this peculiarity to your advantage. For example, when your child is playing soccer in the room even after you have told him several times not to do it, divert his attention. Suggest that he read his favorite book or continue the game outside.

Parents should create an environment at home that is conducive to good behavior. This requires not punishing him, but offering other activities or taking him away to another room.

5. Take breaks for your child.

When a child misbehaves, parents often send them to another room to spend some time there. However, this approach is not good for