6 Strategies That Support Our Toddlers

Earlier on this week we talked about the WHY behind the “terrible 2s,3s,4s”⁣⁣
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As a refresher, if we anticipate that these years will be terrible then we approach them with anxiety, dread, and resentment. ⁣⁣
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Our children are growing and have so much going on internally and externally.⁣⁣
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They're learning their own voice and wanting to assert it, and they still desperately want to know that they are valued.⁣⁣
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So how do we help them and in turn help ourselves?⁣⁣
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⚡Get on eye-level⁣⁣
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Have you ever gotten down on your child’s eye level and looked up? The world is BIG and can feel intimidating! (If you haven’t I encourage you to do so now. Pause and observe)⁣⁣
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As frequently as possible but especially when needing to communicate something important get down on their eye-level. Our children feel as if they have some control, safety, and more connected when we are at their level.⁣⁣
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⚡Focus on what you want to see and hear⁣⁣
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It can be easy to jump in and say “why!” “Don’t talk to me that way”⁣⁣
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Pause, remember your child is learning from what you model. ⁣⁣
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Help them re-word those phrases and focus on what you want to see. ⁣⁣
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⚡Validate ⁣⁣
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It may seem entirely illogical to us and irrational why they’re crying because they can’t go play outside during a thunderstorm but their feelings are always valid. ⁣⁣
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⚡Be confident, neutral, and laugh⁣⁣
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Being a parent doesn’t have to be serious all the time! Laughter is a wonderful way to break up tension and foster connection. So be silly, confident when you have to set a loving limit, and stay neutral. ⁣⁣
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⚡Transitions⁣⁣
Transitions are hard for many of us, parents and kids! When it’s time to transition remember Connect, Transition early, Anticipated event. See image 5. ⁣⁣
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⚡Play and explore⁣⁣
Despite what we are made to believe, our young children do not need to be in structured playdate after playdate, structured activities, or start preparing for college. ⁣⁣
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When your child is engaged in play whether with toy or pots and pans, let them be. (Of course always step in if it's a safety concern.)

Which of these are you ready to start implementing or practice already?!

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