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Positive Parenting Tips for Raising Toddlers To Create a Stress-Free Environment
Getty / Layland Masuda
When you become a parent, Google becomes your best friend. It’s hard not to want to search the internet for help on all things related to the baby you have suddenly been entrusted with. But the lessons from Professor Google don’t end when your little one hits the toddler stage. Instead, you need to become equipped to care for a walking, talking, and sometimes messy, tiny human. And when that time comes, you will need all of the positive parenting tips you can get for your toddler. Or, as you might come to know them as – the miniature boss of the house.
Unsplash / Leo Rivas
Help your toddler develop proper words for things.
When your toddler points to a bottle and says, “baba,” encourage their language skills, but also tell them the proper name for the item. It can work to help them gradually learn the right words.
Unsplash / Iana Dmytrenko
Read with them daily.
There is no conceivable way you could read too much with your toddler. They might not follow a story as well as they will a few years down the line. But it’s all about helping lay the foundation for language skills and an interest in reading early on.
Unsplash / Densky Simon
Give them choices.
Sometimes offering your toddler options like the blocks or the bouncy ball, or grilled cheese or a peanut butter sandwich, can help them make decisions more easily. Even if you’ve kind of set them up for the scenario, it’ll still make them feel like they are taking control.
Unsplash / Vanessa Serpas
Choose your battles.
Most parents with kids of varying ages will tell you to wisely choose which battle you decide to have with your kid. Some things just aren’t worth the fuss in the long run. So yes, let your toddler wear two different socks if they are so adamant about it.
Getty / Ekaterina Goncharova
Stick to your decisions.
With the toddler stage comes the unavoidable tantrums. When your little one is knee-deep in this phase and you have set a limit about something, stick with your decision and don’t give in – even if your toddler is literally rolling around on the living room floor.
Unsplash / Juan Encalada
Encourage exploration whenever possible.
While it’s important for you to remain with your child as they explore open spaces or your home, it’s also important to let them roam to explore and learn without much interference. Except, of course, when safety is a concern.
Unsplash / Sandy Millar
Play pretend games.
During the toddler years, honing in on your kid’s ability to play pretend games can be fun for both of you. Encourage playing with a pretend kitchen or even with dolls to give them an idea of how to use their imagination.
Unsplash / Alexander Dummer
Don't rely on the word “no.”
Telling your toddler “no” can sometimes result in them throwing it right back at you. Instead, find ways to avert their attention from whatever it is they shouldn’t be doing. Or, explain why it’s not a good idea. Sure, they might not understand right off the bat, but snapping “no” can get exhausting for everyone.
Unsplash / Gabe Pierce
Don’t be stingy with the hugs and snuggles.
You also can’t hug or snuggle your toddler enough. Even if they’ve just thrown a tantrum, hugging it out can mean the world to them. And when it’s all said and done, do you really need an excuse for those sweet, sweet toddler snuggles?