Parenting Toddlers

Parents of toddlers must now step into the world of teaching and guiding. Previously, the job of parents was to establish a strong bond and a foundation of trust. This involved being sensitive to the baby, giving lots of love and tuning in to his or her needs. Toddlerhood, however, requires a different behavior set from the parents. They must now begin to provide limits and boundaries. In order to keep their children safe, they must learn how to be effective in shaping and directing behavior. This means learning how to say “no.” However, parents face the enormous challenge of learning how to say “no” in a way that keeps the toddler emotionally and intellectually healthy. Their “no” must not frighten the toddler or harm his self-concept. It must model respect and loving concern.

Parents of toddlers must continue to take good care of themselves. There is so much running and chasing at this stage, so much minute-by-minute supervision. While raising toddlers, moms may be pregnant or nursing. Both parents may be working. There can be a lot of stress. Therefore, investing time in the marriage remains a priority. Other stress-management strategies are a “must” such as finding time to eat well, see friends occasionally, watch funny movies or have other forms of down time or refreshment time. Because of the running and chasing, you won’t need a separate exercise program! And because toddlers are so funny, you won’t need any humor therapy. So, take good care of yourself and have fun raising your toddler!

Please enjoy my articles about Toddlers. If you have any questions, please feel free to visit my Toddlers Forum.