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Parenting tips for toddlers: Encouraging good behavior
Toddlers are infamous for tantrums and other behavior issues. To encourage listening and cooperation, follow these parenting tips for toddlers.
By Mayo Clinic staffLife can be frustrating for toddlers. Though often eager to show their independence, toddlers may not be able to move as swiftly as they'd like or communicate their needs. This combination can easily lead to tantrums and misbehavior. But you can teach your toddler to behave well by providing love, attention, praise, encouragement and a degree of routine. Consider these parenting tips for toddlers.
Show your love
Positive attention tops the list of parenting tips for toddlers. Make sure your displays of affection for your child outnumber any consequences or punishments. Hugs, kisses and good-natured roughhousing reassure your child of your love. Frequent praise and attention also can motivate your toddler to follow the rules.
Accept your child
As your child grows, he or she will display certain personality traits. Some of these are learned, others genetic. Respect your child's developing individuality and don't expect him or her to be just like you. While you're likely to notice features of your child's temperament, avoid labeling these features — which can encourage bad behavior. Instead, nurture your child's personality by finding ways to help him or her feel confident. A strong-willed child, for instance, has perseverance. Build on your child's strength by encouraging him or her to play with a challenging toy.
Minimize rules
Rather than overloading your child with rules from the outset — which may frustrate him or her — prioritize those geared toward safety and gradually add rules to your list over time. Help your toddler follow the rules by childproofing your home and eliminating as many temptations as possible.
Next page(1 of 2)
- Altmann TR. The Wonder Years: Helping Your Baby and Young Child Successfully Negotiate the Major Developmental Milestones. American Academy of Pediatrics. New York, N.Y.: Bantam Dell; 2006:126.
- Shelov SP, et al. Caring for Your Baby And Young Child: Birth to Age Five. Elk Grove Village, Ill..: Bantam; 2004.
- Discipline and your child. American Academy of Pediatrics. http://patiented.aap.org/content.aspx?aid=5087. Accessed Dec. 12, 2008.
- Temper tantrums: A normal part of growing up. American Academy of Pediatrics. http://patiented.aap.org/content.aspx?aid=5725. Accessed Dec. 12, 2008.
- Practice guide - Effective discipline. American Academy of Pediatrics. http://www.aap.org/practicingsafety/Modules/EffectiveDiscipline/EffectiveDiscipline.pdf. Accessed Dec. 12, 2008.
