How can a parent teach their little one to do the right thing even when they aren’t with them? Positive parenting makes a lot of difference in molding a child’s behavior. And I want to explore a few positive parenting tips for toddlers in the article below.

No matter where you are or what you are doing there is inevitably a struggle going on with your toddler. One minute they are angels and the next they turn into a Tasmanian devil. Seriously how can we navigate this and still stay sane enough to help them through such a difficult stage? Our lives are so busy we sometimes forget that we need to guide our children through the rough patches. We cannot expect them to just know everything, especially toddlers. Through positive parenting, we can make this less stressful and teach them essential life skills.

8 Positive Parenting Approaches to Guide your Toddler

1. Zoom in on the cause 

Take a look at the bigger picture. Don’t just focus on the fact that your child is hitting or screaming at you or a sibling. Now I know, it’s easier to act first and ask questions later. But step back and try and find out why they are behaving in this manner and then try and defuse what is causing their behavior.

2. A solution to “NO”

Some of our children’s first words are NO and parents find it funny and sometimes we encourage them to repeat it to grannies, aunts, and uncles. The problem with that is, we pre-program our kids that this is a fun game and when we say NO to discipline them, it’s not as effective. You might want to redirect them into what is appropriate behavior and not focus on the NO. This is one of the most effective positive parenting tips for toddlers.

3. Action = Reaction

It was always a big mystery to me that my children could not see that their bad behavior had reactions and that those consequences would be negative. We just have to be consistent in showing them that misbehaving is going to have a negative effect. The consequences though, need to be tangible for a toddler. “Your tantrum today = not going to the park this afternoon” This shows them that it’s not ok but it’s not always doom and gloom, we also have to reward positive behavior. “Helping your sister = extra chocolate cookie” will motivate them to do the right thing. We can but hope…

4. Guiding limits

“It’s not fair” is something I’ve heard many times and I’m sure will hear again and again. Acknowledge that yes, it is unfair but that these are the boundaries and that you refuse to budge. Children will test the boundaries more than you would like and more than we can take sometimes. But it makes them realize that they are in a safe environment and that we love them enough to enforce them.

5. Be a leader, not a control freak

At some point or another since becoming a parent, I have threatened my children, “go to bed or else”. The thing is when a child acts out of fear it is short-lived and will be followed with resistance. When you lead with “I know someone that needs some sleep for his adventure at the park tomorrow” is more of a leading and guiding way. I know, you’re the parent and they need to listen. I am with you, but it’s not what we say and sometimes more how we say it.

6. Listen to them

Give your child a voice, not so that they can be cheeky and disrespectful but so that they understand that if there is an issue they think is unfair, they can voice that opinion, respectfully – as respectful as a toddler can mind you… Children need to know that we will listen and give them the respect, we so want from them.

7. Be Interested and Sensitive

As a parent, we know our children well and we can pick up on their cues and their needs without much communication from them. Use the times when it’s easy to read them, to your advantage. You know when they are tired or hungry, defuse a tantrum or outburst before it happens. Take the time to watch them and learn their needs. Being sensitive to what might happen and being prepared to deal with it is the battle half won. Being sensitive and able to respond with interest, instead of being shouted at or fobbed off, makes them feel loved, cherished, and important.

8. Opportunities to learn

At the end of the day, at supper time or bedtime, allow your child the opportunity to discuss what might have upset him today. Discuss how to navigate through the difficult times of not communicating properly. Take these opportunities to learn from them and them from you. Be mindful of how action has a reaction and how when they are tired to tell you and lead them through each tantrum and meltdown. This will encourage positive thinking and behavior.

Lastly, delight in the moments that you connect with your child. Show them that no matter how many times they decide to throw an epic tantrum in the grocery store, you are there for them and love them unconditionally. Sometimes we even have to cherish the bad moments. Hope you can benefit from the positive parenting tips from toddlers!

Do leave a comment on how you manage your toddler’s temper tantrums!