How To Talk to Toddlers, we can all use help whether we are parents or grandparents !!!
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How To Talk Toddlers: Those “Terrible Twos” And Beyond
We often think of toddlers as being this group of beings unto themselves. Especially when the mood swings, meltdowns, and testing begins. However, toddlers are after all just small humans who are easily thrown off-balance and in turmoil. Some are called by their rapid growth or maybe it’s a new ability or maybe it’s just what they can’t do or tell us.
What adjustments might ease frustration? And How to Talk to Toddlers!
Avoid baby talk and use full sentences. Toddlers, (and children in general ) learn our language. by modeling the language you use right from the beginning. Make your sentences shorter, and speak slowly. Toddlers need time to absorb our words. Toddlers have listened to our language for many, many months and comprehend volumes more than they can speak.
Children never seem to outgrow the need for our attention. Especially when busy. But what can we do rather than telling her “no” and “don’t” all the time? Respects her needs by telling her you hear her. This will let them ‘save face’ and make them more likely to respond with compliance. Children appreciate positive instruction and tend to tune out or resist the words ‘no’ and ‘don’t’. Save “NO” for emergencies. Finding a more gentle presentation seems to work better.
Giving our toddlers choices like “Are you going to put the toys away in your room or the toy box? ” This turns the “Put your toys away now ” into a positive rather than a negative. Getting to choose between two options is usually all it takes. Just be careful that you give them something you can follow through with and not something you get a big NO. Like “Do you want to go to see Ms. Jones” they might say a big NO and you then take them anyway.
Simple Affirmation when talking to toddlers
A simple affirmation of our child’s struggles, “You are having a hard time getting dressed. You’re working hard.” ” Would you like me to help you? ” This encourages them. And they will persevere through their frustrations or maybe ask for your help.
Don’t assume you know how the toddler feels. “You seem upset by the dog. Do you want me to pick you up?” ( maybe you “thought” they were afraid) I know it’s hard to come in when you’re not ready.” This acknowledges feelings and turns the negative of coming into more of a positive. ” we might say You wanted to run across the street. I won’t let you ” This is a more negative approach and you most likely would get a negative response or action. It is hard for us to remember to acknowledge a toddler in the heat of the moment. But we need to try. When toddlers feel understood, they sense the empathy behind our corrections. They may still resist, cry, and act out but at the end of the day, they know we are in their corner.
The first two years will define the future years.
And if all else fails why not take a break with a glass of wine?