I am sure that you have received many warnings about the toddler phase by the time your baby turned one.
You may have heard about the “terrible twos.” Or maybe, you have witnessed a toddler throwing a major tantrum at the grocery store.
Like the teen years, the toddler years have a reputation for being difficult.
But I believe that it doesn’t have to be that way for you. In fact, the toddler years can be some of the most joyful, fun, and exciting times you can experience as a mother. Especially if you take a positive approach.
Here are some tips on how you can get past just surviving to actually enjoying the toddler years.
This post contains affiliate links. This means that I may receive a commission at no cost to you if you make a purchase using one of the links.
Don’t Dread It
It may become a self-fulfilling prophecy if you are so sure your baby is going to be a difficult toddler.
In other words, you may actually encourage difficult behavior if that is all you expect from the beginning. Check your mindset and your thoughts.
Remember, you can think a situation into reality. So make sure that you are thinking positive thoughts.
If you don’t want your baby to grow up and be the toddler that embarrasses you by throwing a tantrum in the middle of the aisle, start thinking the complete opposite.
Be Informed
Just like when you got pregnant the first time, you read books and talked to other moms. The same applies now.
Get some books from your local library and read up on toddlers.
Try talking to other moms whose style of parenting their toddler you admire and respect.
I did this for myself in this post about how to handle tantrums. I rallied 19 moms to share their best tips on how to handle tantrums.
A little knowledge to prepare you for how toddlers tend to think and act.
Also, learning what is normal for the age, can go a long way in helping you keep calm and allowing you to enjoy your toddler.
For instance, two-year-olds typically lack empathy. So it is noting for them to physically hurt someone and think nothing of it.
Being informed takes some of the worries out of parenting a toddler. You will be less likely to be left wondering what their behavior is all about, or relying on stereotypes about toddler behavior.
Toddler-Proof Your Home
Sometimes, sit back and try to think like a toddler. This is also where hearing from other parents is important.
Look at your house like a toddler would. Do you see doors you might want to play with? Or small objects you might want to put in your mouth?
My two-year-old loves play with the cord on the blinds. This is where one of these comes in handy:
You may want to consider moving or removing tables or other furniture that have sharp corners. At least from their bedroom or play area.
I have learned from experience that sometimes toddlers underestimate how close they are to corners and bump their heads on them. And that hurts!
Or you can try using one of these corner protectors:
These actually look a lot better than some of the others that I have seen and won’t take away from the appearance of your home decor.
Don’t forget to lock cabinet doors, trashcan lids and maybe even the toilet lid.
[amazon_link asins=’B00PV6H3Z8,B0719BYJF7,B01MR7HPTY,B01AW3XLBE,B005XTCMSQ,B01N39XCE1,B01N77TZ83′ template=’ProductCarousel’ store=’realhappymom-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’10bd4ac7-d770-11e8-9fa3-adbcbea6f696′]
All pens, pencils, or pointy objects should be put away. One, so that you don’t have to worry about it ending up on your walls. And two, so that your little one doesn’t accidentally hurt themselves.
You may want to seriously consider removing any delicate decorative items. Remember, you can always get them back out again when your little one is older.
Once you have toddler proofed
your home, this will help you relax and enjoy your toddler’s inquisitive exploration rather than worrying if they will get hurt or destroy something.
Have Fun!
Toddlers can be lots of fun!
It’s so rewarding to watch them learn new things and have experiences for the first time.
Enjoy this time of their development. Take them outside, to the park or museum, and any other (safe) place of interest.
Make time for reading books, getting messy with art supplies, playing music and dancing. Enjoy teaching them all these “new” things and have fun in the process.
Time flies. So enjoy it.
This post is a part of the series 31 Days of Parenting Tips for Busy Moms With Young Kids. Each day throughout the series I am discussing a different topic regarding parenting young kids. I’d love for you to follow along and share this series with moms who may need some support or just to hear that they aren’t alone in their journey of raising young kids.
Find all of the posts in one place on the series homepage: 31 Days of Parenting Tips for Busy Moms With Young Kids
