The Terrible Twos have their name for a reason, but toddlers can often be terrible before and after two – it just seems that two is the average age that most toddlers start to get into trouble. The cause of the trouble is usually your baby’s bids for independence. Babies are intensely curious and what they are most curious about is the world around them and how they can get to it.
Maintain Your Calm
It’s important to remember that while your baby may have already learned the word no and understands your tone of voice – they are not capable of reasoning or debating a reasonable argument in any way shape or form. Your best bet to handle behavior you don’t want them to be doing is to tell them no, then redirect them to a new activity.
Don’t worry if they insist on going back to the denied activity, just redirect them again. For example, if he or she is pulling him or herself up on the edge of a table to reach for a light cord – just pick them up and remove them from the table and then hand them a new toy to give them something new to think about.
When Baby Loses His or Her Temper
Yes, your baby has a temper and they have a frustration level. You have a few options when they do this. You can commiserate with them, but redirect them regardless. You can give them a hug and a comfort and then return them to their distraction. It’s important to remember that your baby is not going to be reasonable, reason is something we learn as we grow.
It’s also important to remember that their threshold of frustration doesn’t have to make sense to you. It just has to be taken care of. You need to show them that you support them and you love them, but you can’t reward their fit pitching by allowing them to do what they weren’t allowed to do in the first place.
9 times out of 10, you will successfully intervene and redirect their interest and intent. If they are tired and that is the main element in their upset – then it’s time for a nap. Have faith Mom, you will know your baby better than anyone else and you’ll learn very quickly what you need to do to mollify them – not placate – but mollify.
How do you handle your baby’s efforts for independence?
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