You and your toddler
Parents of toddlers must act as the grand marshals of a parade. Noisy
exhibitions of exuberant fury must somehow be channeled and controlled.
Toddlers need rules to follow, just as marching bands in a parade need a
routine and a cadence to follow. Toddlers are more secure if they know
their limits, and they frequently need to be told when they have
stretched those limits too far.
Toddlers need:
Freedom to explore in a safe environment;
Consistent limits set on their aggressive acts, especially hurting
others;
Recognition of their accomplishments by love and praise;
Expectations based on their developing muscular abilities;
Security that their parents will be consis
tent and help them regain their self-control;
More “yeses” than “noes.”
With an impulsive toddler about the house, there is little time or need
for a “significant dialogue.” Do what you have to do at the time when it
is needed. The toddler’s behavior may make you scream at times. But if
you loved your child as a newborn, and if you adored your infant when he
or she smiled at you at 4 months of age, you will somehow keep the
toddler intact until you can get your breath again at age 3.
Ideally, you should be equipped with:
A sense of humor;
Energy;
A sympathetic spouse, in-laws, and doctor;
The ability to nap;
The conviction that you are winning more often than you are losing.
Many toddlers like to arrange their toys before they are ready to go
to sleep.
