Positive Parenting can help toddlers feel safe, loved, capable and cooperative.

Toddlers love to test limits and say no. Sometimes toddlers may cry a lot. For that reason, toddlers get quite the reputation for being terrible… But the toddler years don’t have to be terrible. The so called terrible two’s can be in fact quite terrific. And filled with laughter, joy and cooperation. Positive Parenting principles can help you guide your toddler to grow well and feel capable. Positive parenting principles can help you understand typical toddler behaviors.

Toddler aggression

When a young child acts aggressively it is typically a sign that she is feeling upset, scared or overwhelmed. Aggression can also be a sign your child has unmet needs.  It’s normal and very typical for toddlers and preschoolers to struggle with aggression. With help from parents, young children can learn how to express anger in more helpful ways.

Toddler defiance

Toddlers that refuse to do what you say are often labeled as toddlers having behavior problems.  The good news is that in most cases, toddler defiance is  just a sign of healthy development.  Because toddlers that like to say NO and “put their foot down” are not only developing well, they are actively exploring their emotional intelligence and understanding who they are. It’s tricky at times but with the right positive parenting tools it’s possible to invite more cooperation from your toddler.

toddler discipline

Toddler biting

Many toddlers bit instinctively because they are still developing self-control skills. These take quite a few years to develop well. A calm and consistent approach to biting helps your toddler learn to calm down and trust you to offer guidance when they need it most. Use simple and kind limits to stop the biting “You may not bite” or “biting hurts” can be helpful.

Remember that if you are dealing with aggression, tantrums or more, Toddlers thrive when they have parenting guidance that is kind and firm at the same time. Limits should always be clear and set in a loving way.

toddler parenting class

Positive Parenting For Toddlers

Find support for toddler tantrums, teaching toddlers self-care skills, how to encourage your toddler to share toys and the most positive ways to address behavior problems with your toddler.  You can also find information for creating routines, better sleep, handling toddler aggression and sibling squabbles.

Help your toddler grow well by parenting in a way that encourages capability and cooperation.

Positive Parenting Toddler Articles 

Positive Parenting: Siblings & Teasing

Positive Parenting: Siblings & Teasing

Siblings teasing  can be a huge source of annoyance and conflict for the whole family.  If you find yourself wishing the teasing would just go away here are some tried and true ideas for reducing  teasing between siblings: 1. Be wary of choosing sides:  Even if you know which sibling started the teasing, pointing it…

Why Threats and Bribes Don’t Lead to Cooperation and What to Try Instead

Why Threats and Bribes Don’t Lead to Cooperation and What to Try Instead

How to discipline children in a way that is positive and effective without using bribes, threats or rewards. Getting children to cooperate can be tricky at times. Especially when you have more than one child and busy schedules. It’s not unusual to turn to quick fixes like threats and bribes to get children to listen…

Positive Parenting: Rethinking “You Have To Share That!”

Positive Parenting: Rethinking “You Have To Share That!”

Sharing requires understanding of another person’s feelings and desires. Sharing is about being creative with another as you use something together, it is about being compassionate and giving, it is about being respectful. How do our young one’s grow into the sharing mode? By our understanding of THEIR feelings and desires, our compassion, our giving, our being respectful of them. It also begins with complete ownership over something.

Using Empathy to Connect with Your Kids

Using Empathy to Connect with Your Kids

Positive parenting educators and mental health therapists talk a lot about empathy. When when parents want to know how to respond when their kids are angry or anxious, I suggest responding with empathy first. I tell parents to think of empathy as “finding the feeling” in what their child is saying or experiencing. If your…

Positive Parenting: What it Takes to Set a Limit with Kindness

Positive Parenting: What it Takes to Set a Limit with Kindness

Setting limits can be done in a kind, firm and non threatening manner.  The thing is, sometimes it can be tricky to find the balance between kindness and permissiveness. I really find that having limits, particularly with three children is really important.  Wanting to set a limit without provoking any sort of upset sometimes is…

Connecting with Children Through Play

Connecting with Children Through Play

The importance of play doesn’t end there. Yes it’s enjoyable for them and yes play is important in child development but play also provides parents with a door to connect with their child on a deep level. I always love to say that I am hands on, this I feel sums up the play connection I am referring to. Engaging and being present in play is a hands-on way to establish a deep connection and strengthen a healthy relationship with your child.

Behavior Changes you Can Expect to see in your Child as you Shelter In Place

Behavior Changes you Can Expect to see in your Child as you Shelter In Place

Sheltering in place can create behavior changes for the whole family. Here you can find information on what you can expect and how you can respond to these behaviors in a helpful and positive way. Quick guide on setting limits included below. With the ongoing pandemic, we are living through very are uncertain times. Routine…

Books & Play: Enhancing Reading Comprehension In a Fun Way.

Books & Play: Enhancing Reading Comprehension In a Fun Way.

Welcome to the March Authentic Parenting Blog Carnival: Discovering through Books This post was written for inclusion in the monthly Authentic Parenting Blog Carnival hosted by The Positive Parenting Connection and Authentic Parenting. This month our participants have investigated what role books have played in their lives. Please read to the end to find a…

20 Ways To Really See the World Through Your Child’s Eyes

20 Ways To Really See the World Through Your Child’s Eyes

How to Mindfully Recharge your Parental Empathy Bank Parenting has the potential to deplete us of all energy and form, leaving us feeling fatigued, confused, frustrated and overwhelmed. There are days when parenting can deplete us so profoundly that it becomes exceedingly difficult to see past our immediate day to day needs. During times like…

Essentials for Parenting Stubborn and Determined Children

Essentials for Parenting Stubborn and Determined Children

Positive parenting is not about keeping our children happy 100% of the time or giving in to every demand or bending the earth to suit our child’s desires. However, it is important that we pay attention and strike a balance between the needs of the child, the family and our own. When everyone’s needs and feelings are being considered, and cooperation and communication are the focus instead of commands, demands and high expectation, parents and children can really find wonderful harmony.

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