If you are the parent of a toddler, you may sometimes feel as though you are the only one going through certain issues and it can be difficult to know how to deal with them. The truth is, the toddler years can be extremely challenging, and the majority of parents can relate. Knowing that other parents are in the same boat as you may be comforting, but that doesn’t exactly solve the problem. So, let’s look at three common toddler issues and solutions parents can use.
Bedtime Issues – Perhaps One of the Most Stressful Issues
If you were to survey parents about one of the most stressful toddler issues, the bedtime routine would probably be near if not the top of the list. Getting good and restful sleep is important for your little one, not to mention everyone else in the household. So, if they are refusing to go to bed and aren’t sleeping, this can quickly snowball out of control.
There are several tips you can use that will help get your children to bed at night in a stress-free and effective manner. Tips such as creating a bedtime routine, making sure their room is ideal for sleeping, taking away distractions, and being consistent in the steps you use can all help.
Constant Screaming That Is Driving Everyone Crazy
Here’s a trait that is very common in toddlers and one that isn’t exactly appreciated. If your toddler seems to do a lot of screaming, it can usually be chalked up to the extra energy and excitement they seem to have. Screaming doesn’t necessarily mean your toddler is upset, since it can also stem from excitement.
Typically, the best way to deal with it is to remain calm, don’t scream back, as that sets an example, and remind them to use a quieter softer voice. The cue “use your inside voice” can be helpful. Let them know you can respond once they are a little quieter.
Temper Tantrums Can Be a Nightmare for All
Probably one of the worst most dreaded toddler issues to deal with is temper tantrums. They can strike at any time, including when you’re out in public, much to the parents’ dismay. Tantrums tend to occur when a toddler has a range of emotions that they are experiencing and they don’t know how to deal with them. They could be frustrated, angry, tired, bored, upset or any other number of things. All of those emotions come boiling up and then come out as a tantrum.
Tantrums can involve yelling, crying, kicking, hitting, throwing things, lying on the floor and more. The best plan of action is to try to diffuse the situation by remaining calm. That means not mirroring their behaviour, using a calm voice and usually getting down to their level. It can help to hold their hand, hug them and do your best to calm them.
There’s no way around it, the toddler years can be tricky and challenging both for kids and parents. Knowing some common problems and how to deal with them can be very beneficial.
