In 2018, almost 3.8 million babies were born in the United States. In time, those tiny bundles of joy will grow into curious toddlers. Are you ready for it?
With our parenting tips for toddlers, you can prepare yourself for the adventure ahead! In our guide, we’ll review navigating nap time, potty training, tantrums, and more.
Ready to get started? Continue reading our guide to discover the parenting tips you need for raising a growing toddler!
1. Avoid a Power Struggle
As a toddler, your child will start developing a sense of independence. Their curiosity will lead them to explore, question, and challenge the world, including your rules.
One of our top parenting tips for toddlers is to remain patient. To avoid a power struggle, to impose your rules. Instead, give your toddler choices.
Allowing your child to make decisions on their own will help them learn and grow.
Setting a strict set of rules, on the other hand, can lead to a struggle.
For example, if you’re planning dinner, allow your child to choose between chicken or pasta. This allows your toddler to make their own decisions and feel in control. At the same time, you’re making sure your toddler eats a healthy meal.
The Screen Time Debate
Many parents experience a challenge regarding screen time. You might experience a slight debate when you limit how long your child can watch TV. That’s okay.
Again, give your child a choice. Either they can watch TV for 20 minutes or enjoy another activity. When giving your child a choice, you can set the time limit for them.
According to this study, children under the age of two spend about 42 minutes in front of a screen every day. Children ages 2 to 4 spend two hours and 40 minutes with screen media each day.
Meanwhile, 28% of parents agree that it’s better for children to spend less time in front of media content.
Take the time to talk with your children about media content. Instead of leaving your child alone in front of the TV, join them and watch an educational show together. Meanwhile, provide rules and give a reason for each one.
Explaining your rules can make your child more responsive to following these rules.
2. Simplify What They Eat
When it comes to meals, you might find you have a picky eater on your hands.
Set a number of healthy options on the dinner table. Then, allow your child to determine what and how much they want to eat.
Instead of pressuring your child to eat, provide them with good, healthy options. Then, allow them to pick what they want to eat.
It’s suggested that toddlers need between 900 and 1,200 calories a day. You can divide these calories between meals and snacks. Try to help your child eat:
- Protein
- Dairy
- Grains
- Vegetables
- Fruit
- Fat/oil
Make sure your child stays hydrated throughout the day as well. This age is a great time to let your child try new foods. Again, don’t force it on them.
If they say “no,” move on and try it again later.
3. Keep Them Active
Toddlers should engage in at least 30 minutes of structured physical activity a day.
Try exploring new activities with your child. Take them to the park, play a little soccer, or try dancing at home.
Keeping your child active will help them develop motor skills. While they play, they’ll also learn concepts such as colors and numbers, critical thinking, and creative thinking.
4. Safety Around the House
Toddlers are naturally curious. Unfortunately, this can lead them toward dangerous situations if you’re not careful.
Consider removing any firearms from your home. If you choose to keep it, make sure it’s unloaded and locked away.
Toddlers have a tendency for putting items in their mouths. Make sure any toxic household products and medicines are out of risk. Keep the poison control number in your phone in case an emergency occurs.
Toddlers also like to reach and grab at random. Try to keep your little one out of the kitchen while you’re cooking to avoid potential burns.
As your toddler starts walking around, consider adding gates throughout your home to keep them safe.
5. Recognize Good Behavior
As you use these parenting tips for toddlers, don’t forget to reward your little one for their good behavior. Some parents focus so much on correcting wrong behavior that we forget to praise them. Give your child a hug and kiss when they put away their toys or eat their vegetables.
Then, they’re more likely to repeat these behaviors in the future.
6. Catch Those Z’s
Sleep is important for your child’s development. Make sure to remain consistent with their nap schedule and bedtime.
Keep a nightly routine to help your child develop a sense of consistency.
7. Potty Time
Though you might feel ready to end the diaper stage, don’t rush your child. Instead, wait until your child is ready.
You can prompt them by asking if they have to go, and if they want to try using the potty.
You learn more about potty training your toddler with One Proud Toddler to prepare yourself and your little one.
8. Take Care of Those Teeth
It’s important to take care of your baby’s teeth, even before their adult teeth grow in. Pay attention to how their teeth look and search for brown spots, which could indicate cavities.
Make brushing their teeth a part of your toddler’s routine before bedtime.
9. Dealing With Tantrums
One in seven children in America is diagnosed with a mental, behavioral, or developmental disorder. Knowing how to approach your child’s behavioral issues early on can help you avoid problems in the future.
Turn your head when your toddler starts throwing a tantrum. Remember, they’re looking for attention. While this is difficult, it’s important to show them that tantrums won’t work.
If you’re heading out in public, try to bring toys and books along as a distraction.
Raising Happy, Healthy Kids: 9 Parenting Tips for Toddlers
Ready for those joyful toddler years? With these parenting tips for toddlers, you can feel a little more prepared.
Discover more helpful tips and guides! Explore the Parenting section of the blog today!