5 Tips On Taking Good Care of A Toddler

We all want our kids to be happy. And happiness is something all parents need to figure it out. In fact,  life with a toddler can seem like we are living out of the movie. Monday to Sunday, it’s the same schedule again and again, from singing a wake-up song in the morning to giving them a bath before bedtime at night. Although your child’s toddlerhood is something you’ll look back on and cherish, at the moment the everyday routine can start to feel pretty dull. But to your little one, it’s heavenly. 

Some children are seen as growing equals in need of guidance, in need of control and discipline. But toddler is a young child between the ages of 12 and 36 months, with the term that comes from the word “toddle,” which means to walk with unsteady steps, something that kids definitely do at least during the first part of this stage! We often associate the toddler years with willful assertions of “Me!” and “Mine!” But underneath, your child is learning to read other people’s feelings. In fact, this is a great time to nurture caring. Adults should do everything possible to help toddlers learn to be empathetic. At this point of life, parent hacks are meant to make your life a little easier. And this is the time when you need it the most, the toddler years.

Age 1 to 3 years

At this time of their lives, they will be participating in what we call solitary play. They are not really bothered about other children. Instead, they will be very focused on their toys. Of course, they will still call out for you to sit with them while they play, but you will observe that they will pick up a toy, look at it, and throw. This behaviour is normal. However, as a parent, our job is to help our young toddler navigate the tide of strong emotions they are experiencing. It might not be a small task because the emotional lives of 2-year-olds are complex. They are beginning to experience feelings like pride, shame, guilt, and embarrassment for the first time. Their feelings may swing wildly from moment to moment. They may be joyful when getting a popsicle and then despair when it drips on their hands. So toddlers really need our loving guidance to figure out how to cope with their emotions. 

So, How Do You Care For A Toddler? 

It’s any tip, workaround, or a bit of wisdom that makes your life as a parent a little easier. It can be as simple as putting the ketchup under your toddler’s hot dog to minimize the mess or trapping your baby into a forward-facing carrier when you need to trim her fingernails. In fact, they come with their own unique set of challenges. They are able to walk can get into a lot more trouble and if they aren’t toilet trained yet, you’ll have to change their diapers when needed. Furthermore, a toddler at the age of 1 to 3 years old is beginning to talk now with a lot of questions. Hence, all toddlers require constant attention and support.

• Listen and Repeat

Toddler feels better when they know they have been heard, so whenever possible, repeat your child’s concerns. If they are whining in the grocery store because you won’t let them open the cookies, say something such as, “ I know you are mad but you can only open the cookies when we get back.l I’m sorry you feel that way, but the store won’t let us open things until they’re paid for. “ However, this method will not satisfy their urge but it often reduces the anger and they will slowly understand it.

• Set Up a Toddler Area

If you’re taking care of a toddler setting up areas where the toddler can engage in play by themself is very important. For instance, you’ll want to include child-sized shelves that allow your toddler to choose toys, as well as plenty of toys that encourage independent play. Building blocks, materials to colour with and other art supplies or even simple puzzles. Make sure you also have a toddler-sized table and chair. 

• Never Leave Toddlers Alone

Just like baby, toddlers are still too young to be left alone for any amount of time. You need to be in the room with them or the next room because they can easily get from one place to another. It is necessary that you keep an eye on them at all times. You never know when they might be about to trip and fall, bump their head, pull an object off the table, open up a cabinet they aren’t supposed to get into, pick something off the floor and put it into their mouth. At the same time, you need to make sure all cabinets are closed with the safety locks fastened.

• Play.

This one could be first in the book yet it’s a loaded process to get there if you didn’t experience play growing up, if you are stressed to the point of survival mode, or if your child is a challenging match for you. Growing aware and having self-compassion while problem-solving ways to work through this is everything. Kids need to play like they need breathing, and us showing up for it and allowing them to lead the way may be one of the most powerful things we can do.

• Reward Good Behavior

It’s highly unlikely that a toddler will always do whatever you say. Normal kids resist control, and they know when you’re asking them to do something they don’t want to do. They then feel justified in resisting you. In cases in which they do behave appropriately, a prize is a snack or something else because it is a way to show your child you’re aware and respectful of their feelings. This, more than anything, gives credibility to your discipline demands.

Nevertheless, taking care of toddlers is an important skill that all parents and caregivers should learn and, with enough practice, it will become second nature to us. It can be challenging sometimes but rewarding too. Most of us might even find that it’s lots of fun, especially when we get to know the toddler, and we look forward to it!