Working with a toddler is also challenging because they do not like to be told what to do. They try to indicate their unique solution to the situation. It is not required that the solution be logical; because children express themselves and say whatever they want. Here are some helpful tips for working with toddlers; check them out:
Tips for Working With Toddlers:
#1 Give Them Plenty of Good Choices
It’s all too easy for children to start misbehaving if there’s nothing constructive to do. Assuring that age-appropriate, fascinating activities are always available allows them to channel their energy in productive ways.
For example, many Montessori teachers maintained baskets with activities on high shelves around the room. They would take a basket down and do a basic presentation if sensed someone was at loose ends. Of course, the kids had materials at their level, but this kept things interesting because not everything was out all of the time.
#2 Set Simple Boundaries
It’s tough for kids to remember and follow too many rules if you set too many. Keep them simple. You can tell the rules to them often. Try to convey them as positively as possible; “Use a quiet voice” is preferable to “No yelling!”
#3 Turn to a Higher Power
When one child bites, strikes, or kicks another, you may find yourself saying a brief prayer. In this example, though, the higher power refers to books. Simply by being printed and published, books are marvelous, mystical, and authoritative. Even little children can sense the weight of words in books.
A child can be redirected by reading a narrative with images in a way that no amount of instruction from a parent or teacher can. Books can remove the interpersonal stress in the scenario. You can teach moral values to your kids through stories, or they can be entertaining and engaging; either way, they work.
#3 Control the Environment
The prepared environment is one of the concepts in Montessori. Teachers in Montessori schools picked and arranged the materials carefully. It offers the young child the greatest amount of interest and accessibility. Also, Montessori teachers are cautious about what they allow into the environment. By ensuring that all options are positive, the kid is gently led toward work that benefits rather than harms the community.
#4 Show Respect
It is a fact that a child’s first six years of life constitute the foundation upon which the rest of their life is built. Long before those six years are through, a child’s particular personality emerges. On the surface, what appears to be aggravating conduct is simply the child’s attempt to break free from the confines of childhood and advance toward independence. This tip works like magic when it comes to handling toddlers.
When dealing with young children, Maria Montessori often spoke of the awe and wonder that adults should feel. If we focus on the negatives rather than the advantages, it’s easy to lose that sense of awe. I adore the idea that in Montessori, we encourage children to take charge of their daily tasks.
Use patience and maintain eye contact with them. Don’t interrupt or finish their statements. You may teach your child to use their voice in different situations by showing that what they have to say matters. Allowing your kids to do things for themselves demonstrates your trust in them.
#5 Be Consistent.
According to Lerner, order and routine provide a haven for young children in what they perceive to be an overwhelming and unpredictable environment. “When children have some consistency and regularity, they feel a lot safer and comfortable, and they are much more behaved and peaceful because they know what to expect.”
Every day, try to stick to the same routine. That involves having a predictable nap, dinner, and bedtime schedule, as well as times when your child is free to run around and play.
#6 Stay away from tense situations.
By the time your child is a toddler, you’ve spent enough time with them to understand what sets off their reactions. Hunger, tiredness, and frequent changes of venue are the most prevalent. With a little forethought, you can avoid these potential meltdown scenarios. Make every effort to keep your child at home throughout naptimes, bedtimes, and mealtimes.
If you’re out and about, keep food on hand in case you get hungry. Plan ahead of time to avoid having to rush. You may make changes easier for your child by incorporating them in the process. Setting an egg timer for five minutes and telling yourself that when it rings, it’s time to take a bath or get dressed is an easy way to do so. It could even be as simple as allowing your child to choose whether to wear the red or blue shirt to school.
#7 Think like Toddlers
Toddlers aren’t mini grown-ups. Many of the things we take for granted, such as, how to follow orders and behave correctly are difficult for them to grasp. Seeing the situation through the eyes of a toddler can help you avoid a tantrum. You must set the limit, but you must do so with respect for the child, and you must use it as an opportunity to assist them to learn to cope with life’s difficulties and rules.”
#8 Stay Calm
When you’re witnessing your child throw a tantrum, your blood pressure can rise. Losing control will swiftly exacerbate an already tense situation. Allow yourself some time to relax. Sometimes it is okay to ignore the situation and let your kid do whatever they like. You may be tempted to spank your child because they have pushed you to the breaking point. However, the majority of professionals advise against it. “Spanking teaches children that physical punishment is appropriate. As a result, we demonstrate what we do not want our children to do.
Takeaway:
Finally, remember that it’s normal to be stressed out by your kid. Recognize that none of us are excellent parents; we all do our best. There will be days when we are more successful than others. However, if we parent consistently and follow the useful tips for working with toddlers, we will have more good days than bad days!. Follow the above-mentioned tips to discipline toddlers.
