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ParenTing a ToddlerI’m sure you have all been there. The moment your toddler turns into a threenager. From cute and innocent to fist throwing child.
We are surrounded by people who tell us what to do, not give advice. This as a mom is frustrating. We are all suppose to be on the same team, so when one struggles we all should help. Ever since Dax turned 3, he has big emotions . He likes to test his boundaries and our patience. This is all normal. They are learning how to handle their emotions. As most adults don’t know how to do so, I am really trying to teach my kids how to handle their emotions. First, we validate. I tell him how they are feeling is normal, wether it be happy, sad, mad. I explain to them what the feeling is. I then try to show them how to properly handle this emotion. Example. Dax is mad abs throws a toy. Daxton, it’s ok to feel mad. We all get mad and this is ok. But we don’t throw our toys as it’s not nice to them. If you are mad let me know. You can be mad for a minute but then let’s figure out a way to help you not be mad. If this doesn’t work I will try to distract him from what’s making him mad. Or give him the option to play something else. Toddlers enjoy being in control. Options are always helpful with them. If your toddler is doing something you don’t like, give them options instead of telling them what not to do. Example. Dax has his shoes on the couch. “Hey, Dax, we don’t wear our shoes on the couch. You can either take them off or play on the floor. Your choice.” This has made a huge difference in our household. They love to be in control. Although, we are still choosing, but they don’t realize this. Unfortunately, when we are out, we do things a little differently. If he doesn’t listen, we tell him to be nice or we have to leave. We have tried time out, positive reinforcement, nothing works. So we must leave. This is the only way he knows that his behavior is not okay. He gets upset but them usually he is better the next time. All kids are different, as well as parents. That’s ok. This is why there are many ways to do things. From positive reinforcement, gentle parenting, and all others that help guide parents and give them options. I still always gentle parent my kids. I always talk to them like they are a grown up. I always want them to know how someone should speak to them, with respect. How we treat our children is how they allow others to treat them in their lives. If you need to take a breather, do it! Walk away, get your composure, and come back. Just know when we are mad, they are learning from us! Picky eaters: now this is a tough one. I have struggled so much with Dax. We did baby led weaning and he was such a great eater! He would eat anything I placed in front of him. Then, he turned two. Boy, it was so different. He would throw his food away, refuse to eat it, or spit it out. The doctor said this is normal for toddlers. Well, he is now almost four and is still that same way! What we have tried. We always offer something new with each meal. Sometimes on another plate as he doesn’t like it near his food. We always tell him to try it and we will to. This actually has worked multiple times. We also offer a treat after he eats all his food. He seems to be a grazer which is okay, but sometimes we just need a full meal. I offer a few marshmallows or a few little chocolate chips if he eats all his food! He loves this! Positive reinforcement for the win! I hope this is helpful. Of course we are still learning everyday but this is what has worked for us. 𝗍һᥱ ᑲᥙsһᥱs ❥ 
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