Parenting a toddler is a challenge. For parents of older children, it can be a hard transition to make the shift from an adult-oriented parenting style to one that accommodates a toddler’s needs. Here are 3 steps that make parenting a little easier:
- Be Patient
- Be Prepared
- Get Help.
Be Patient
Toddlers need more patience from their parents. This is a new change for parents too, as they are used to being able to give commands and have their child follow them. A toddler will want to explore the world around them and learn about it, which means they may not always listen to what you tell them. It can be frustrating when your child doesn’t listen to you, but try not to show it. They will understand that you are angry if you yell or use a stern voice and will be afraid of disappointing you in the future if they do something wrong.
Toddlers also tend to move slower than older kids and adults. Try to factor this into your daily life as much as possible so they don't feel rushed or pushed around by those who are trying to keep up with them. If you're running late, let your toddler know that we'll need a few more minutes before we leave the house so that they aren't surprised once we start moving again.
Give your toddler time and space- both of these will make parenting easier.
Be Prepared
It can be tempting to do all the thinking for your toddler, but it’s important to give them some responsibility. Toddlers are not stupid - they are able to take on responsibilities, especially if you train them early.
One way to help toddlers learn how to be responsible is by teaching them how to do their own laundry. This will teach toddlers the importance of being clean and also allow them to have a sense of accomplishment. It will also teach toddlers that they have control over their lives, which will assist in developing healthy self-esteem.
Get Help
One of the most important steps in parenting a toddler is getting help. It’s very difficult, if not impossible, to parent a toddler on your own. It can be hard to find the time and mental energy to be a good parent when you also have a full-time job and other responsibilities. But getting help is a crucial step for your own sanity as well as for your child’s development.
The first step is to figure out what kind of help you need. Do you need someone to watch your child while you work? Do you need someone with experience in working with children? Are there certain days that would be best suited for an evening babysitter? Once you know what kind of help you need, it will become easier to find the right person or service for your family.