subject: How To Deal With Toddler Difficulties [print this page] What avoidance strategies can a parent implement to reduce potential conflicts?
Firstly, a parent can make the house toddler proof and free from unnecessary dangers. Make sure there are no things lying around or placed on top of surfaces that could cause harm to a toddler. Use child safety devices to eliminate dangers from your home, such as stair gates etc.
Make a note of the times of the day that your toddler becomes particularly difficult. Try and discover a possible cause and make some changes to remedy this, such as bringing a mealtime or bedtime forward.
If there are certain activities that are causing distress to your child, such as getting dressed, try and be sensitive to their discomfort and find a way to make the activity enjoyable or less stressful for them.
If the child has been involved in fun play and is excited and worked up, allow them sometime to wind down and relax. Don't expect them to be able to be quiet and calm right away.
It helps the child to prepare for the next activity if they have an idea what it will be. Give them some advanced notice of what is coming next. Try not to move quickly from one activity to another.
If there is an object, such as a toy, that is causing disruption, put it away for a while and don't allow the toddler to play with it or use it often.
It's best not hold high expectations for your child's behaviour at each stage of their development. Be realistic and don't get stressed if your child does not behave perfectly.
Lastly, be sensitive to situations arising that may cause problems. Intuit possible negative behaviour arising and take action before it occurs. As a toddler has a short attention span it can be easy to distract them from something before it causes upset.
I hope you have found these tips useful and they help you to find harmony with your toddler at this stage of their development.
