Ah—, the toddler phase! It’s a time of big changes filled with milestones for not just the toddlers themselves but also parents. With such growing independence, obviously comes some significant challenges. As your baby transitions into a full walking human being, they’ll start exploring the world around them which can be adorable to watch.
However, it can also be downright frustrating as you find yourself picking up books that they’ve pulled off of the bookshelf, and chasing them around restaurants as they explore with eager curiosity.
Make no mistake about it, preparing for this part of their life will take a considerable amount of patience and a little bit of sense of humor. To help you navigate this new stage called toddlerhood, here are some tips to see you through.
Encourage Their Independence
Toddlers are eager to be independent, so instead of resisting it, encourage it! Unfortunately, this will require a balance of course. We can’t let them do everything they want to do otherwise they could find themselves in serious danger. However, there are ways to work around the dangers without having to stifle their independence.
For example, rather than discouraging them from walking around your living room in fear they might bump their head or take a fall, consider limiting the risks. For example, consider buying a round table instead of a square-cornered one, or invest in a nice barrier so they can’t access the stairs.
The more you can do a little bit of planning, the more you’ll encourage their independence and ultimately self-esteem.
Establish Boundaries and Consistency
As much as toddlers may throw a fit when we tell them something they don’t want to hear, the truth is that deep down, toddlers love consistency. The more consistent you can be with their schedules, the more they’ll feel secure in their rapidly changing worlds. Predictable routines are the best way to go.
From regular meal times to naps and of course bedtime rituals. This will ultimately help reduce their anxiety and limit their chances of tantrums. The more they know what to expect, the more safe and understood they’ll feel.
Stay Patient
Remember, as much as you envision the toddler stage being full of laughter and happiness like something out of a commercial, the truth is that a lot of it is going to be extremely stressful.
You’re going to want to pull your hair out of your head more than once, so it’s essential that you prepare yourself for tantrums and emotional outbursts. Even though it can be hard to deal with their tantrums, remember that their anger and frustration is a part of their natural and healthy development. Learn how to handle this phase with grace and patience and remember that nothing lasts forever!
