Living with a Toddler?- My Advice

If you didn't know I have a 3 y/o.
(And a 5 y/o step son)

Though the terrible 2s faze 

is long gone, I'm still faced with

a demanding, temper tantrum throwing

3 year old.

I once asked a friend if it (parenthood) ever gets easier as the child gets older, she said...

"No, just different"

So far, it seems like she was right.

Here are some tips I use to help

balance things out.

1. Always listen to your child

- they love being heard, so give them

a chance to share their views.

You always want them to know

that their " voice" matters.

2. Allow him to vent

- even as adults we need some space/ time

to let it out. Allow your child to do

just that... every now and then.

3. Always remain calm

- this is a tough one, especially (for me)

when you get to that point where you've had 

enough. Speak stern but calm and 

vent in private (preferably through prayer)

Listen, it gets tough sometimes.

4.No is no

Never, ever under any circumstances 

go back on your "no".

Once you say no stick to it.

There would be tantrums and sad faces

but you have to stand firm on this.

A no followed by an "ok"/"yes"/"sure"

will make your toddler more persistant 

in the future thinking that 

you would give in eventually every time.

5.Give time outs

I stopped spanking Anna (my 3 y/o...

unless she does something very bad)

Time outs and taking away her

favorite toys seem to do the trick right now.

Make sure to tell her why she's on

time out.

6. Always show love.

Don't forget to hug your child often.

Let them know how great they are
for example "you're so much fun",
"you're so cool", "you're such a good person"
I try to limit the cute, pretty, handsome compliments...

7. Speak clearly to her

Meaning, use of big words are ok.

Get ready to explain the meaning

of words even if your toddler doesn't

ask "what's that?"

Hope this helps

Blessings
J