Communicating Makes all the Difference. I can't tell you how many times over the last year I have told my daughter to "Use your words." The tricky part was that I also had to learn to use my words. I stopped simply saying "Use your words," and started asking, "Do you feel mad, or tired." I would ask, "Is this puzzle too hard for you?" or "What can Mommy do to help?" Sometimes you need to put the words out there for them. Teach them to say what they are feeling or why they are feeling it. The more they practice the easier it will be for them do it on their own.
I remember one morning this spring when Z was being really antsy. I was feeling less than patient because we needed to get going and she was bouncing off the walls. I sat her in my lap and asked her what her deal was. She looked back at me and said "Zoe excited!" I laughed out loud. I wasn't expecting an answer and didn't even know she knew what excited meant. It was so cute.
Conquer the Tantrums. Temper Tantrums are one of the biggest challenges with a 2 yr old. They are not completely avoidable but there are things you can do to minimize the risk of one breaking out. Be aware that their threshold is lower when hungry or tired. Take a step back and try to understand your child's perspective. As a 2 yr old they are learning that the world doesn't revolve around them and that other people have needs and feelings too. It's a lot to comprehend for your little one. Temper tantrums are their way of voicing the frustration they are feeling. So, have a game plan and know how you want to handle the tantrums when they do pop up. Here's a link for a few of my thoughts on Toddler Temper Tantrums.
Conquer the Tantrums. Temper Tantrums are one of the biggest challenges with a 2 yr old. They are not completely avoidable but there are things you can do to minimize the risk of one breaking out. Be aware that their threshold is lower when hungry or tired. Take a step back and try to understand your child's perspective. As a 2 yr old they are learning that the world doesn't revolve around them and that other people have needs and feelings too. It's a lot to comprehend for your little one. Temper tantrums are their way of voicing the frustration they are feeling. So, have a game plan and know how you want to handle the tantrums when they do pop up. Here's a link for a few of my thoughts on Toddler Temper Tantrums.
Encourage Independence. Your 2 yr old is changing from being a baby to a little person with ideas and opinions of their own. Let them. Give them specific responsibilities. A 2 yr old can do lots of things around the house and allowing them to help out builds their confidence. Zoe has been responsible for picking up her toys and putting her clothes in the dirty clothes basket for quite some time now. This year she has also learned to help set the table and take her own plate to the sink when finished eating.
I have also learned to let her make age appropriate decisions. The key to this is giving specific choices not asking open ended questions. "Do you want to color or play with play dough?" or "Do you want apple slices or grapes." Not "What do you want to do?" or "What do you want for snack?" Giving your toddler the power to make specific choices each day allows them to feel like they have some control while still maintaining your routine and accomplishing the things that need doing.
I have also learned to let her make age appropriate decisions. The key to this is giving specific choices not asking open ended questions. "Do you want to color or play with play dough?" or "Do you want apple slices or grapes." Not "What do you want to do?" or "What do you want for snack?" Giving your toddler the power to make specific choices each day allows them to feel like they have some control while still maintaining your routine and accomplishing the things that need doing.
Other Keys to Remember.
*Teach your little one how deal with their emotions. They are becoming very aware of themselves so acknowledge what they are feeling and help them to process it.
*Handle negative behavior as it happens.
*Patience is of utmost importance. If you want them to respond calmly you have to keep your cool too.
*Be aware of how much sleep your little one is getting. Most 2 yr olds need an average of 13 hours (10 to 12hrs for nighttime and 1-3hrs for nap).
*Challenge their creativity. At this point a lot of their learning happens through play so let them finger paint, play with shaving cream, and build forts under the table. Building their creativity now will open doors and help them learn to problem solve as they get older.
I have had a blast with my little 2 yr old this last year. It wasn't all sugar and roses. We had one day that it took 45 minutes and tears from both of us to get Zoe in the car seat and buckled. It was rough. But we also had days that we laughed so hard we couldn't catch our breath. I love to watch Zoe as she learns new things and I am so blessed to be able to invest in her life. She is worth the all tears, the laughter, and the smiles. As the 2's are slipping behind us I am so excited to see the 3's.
*Be aware of how much sleep your little one is getting. Most 2 yr olds need an average of 13 hours (10 to 12hrs for nighttime and 1-3hrs for nap).
*Challenge their creativity. At this point a lot of their learning happens through play so let them finger paint, play with shaving cream, and build forts under the table. Building their creativity now will open doors and help them learn to problem solve as they get older.
I have had a blast with my little 2 yr old this last year. It wasn't all sugar and roses. We had one day that it took 45 minutes and tears from both of us to get Zoe in the car seat and buckled. It was rough. But we also had days that we laughed so hard we couldn't catch our breath. I love to watch Zoe as she learns new things and I am so blessed to be able to invest in her life. She is worth the all tears, the laughter, and the smiles. As the 2's are slipping behind us I am so excited to see the 3's.
