A toddler is a force to be reckoned with, I can assure you. Baby stages and even when they start toddling around can seem like a breeze once you begin to experience the terrible twos.
Of course, it isn’t all that bad. There are good days and bad days, just like there can be in every aspect of your life.
However, it is how you handle the situation that can help you to defuse the situation and make it a much nicer environment for everyone, including yourself.
If you are finding that you are having a particularly tough day then don’t despair, here are some of my top tips to help you stay sane when dealing with the terrible twos.
Get the crafts out
Not every mother is a Pinterest mother, but crafts can be an excellent way of occupying your toddler especially if they are causing you a little trouble.
The chances are they are just looking for some stimulation and crafting can occupy their minds and keep them happy and distracted.
It might be painting, construction, or even just copying letters and drawing pictures. It can be as simple or as complex as you want it to be.
Keep calm and have a positive attitude
One of the most important things to do would be to ensure that you can stay calm and keep a positive attitude. It can be hard to not get frustrated with your toddler, but the thing to remember is that there is still a communication barrier.
They may not understand what you are asking of them and equally you might not understand what they are trying to say or show you.
Keeping calm, using positive language, and having the right attitude will help you to stay sane during testing times.
It will be hard to stay calm all of the time, so if you are struggling take a deep breath and count to ten. It will help to change your mood and give you a moment to consider your reaction, rather than acting or saying something before thinking.
Head outside for some fresh air
Sometimes it is the lack of fresh air and activity that can cause your little ones to act out more, so why not take their cue and head outside for a little while.
There are plenty of toddler outdoor activities that can be done. It could be as simple as chalking on the patio, playing hide and seek, or just generally being outside and exploring in the garden.
You may find it is just the tonic to calm you all down for a while.
Brave a local play center
Not all of us like play centers, but they can be a great place to take your little one if you find they are a great big ball of energy and you have no way to expel it.
Heading to a play center enables them to burn off some steam and also allows them to socialize with other children their age.
Schedule your week
It may sound silly, but planning your week can be a great way for you to defuse situations and keep you and your little ones busy and occupied.
We all need days at home, but we also need playdates and classes to attend where your little ones get fun and stimulation and you get the opportunity of some adult conversation to keep you sane in the process.
The answer mostly can be cured by food
Toddlers thrive off routine, and this can be essential when it comes to their food and mealtimes.
Staying consistent with meal times and offering plenty of healthy snacks and drinks throughout the day will help your toddler to stay happy. If they are being particularly difficult it mostly will always be able to be resolved by food.
Naptimes are still important
It is worth ensuring that you try and plan your day around naptimes. It is still just as important for your toddler to have their regular nap as they can still get tired and cranky.
Having a consistent naptime all forms part of the routine, and it is a good idea to ensure that you stick with regular sleep so that they can feel rested and happy.
Just as food can be a resolve for a toddler’s meltdown so can ensuring that they get the right amount of restful sleep.
Be aware of what triggers your child
All children are different, which means that there can be different triggers that can cause an issue and for your toddler to act out.
For example, they may struggle in busy places where there are a lot of people or have issues when you leave the room, or can’t be on their own.
Understanding what triggers your child to act out means that you can either prepare them in advance by talking to them about things or just be aware that there may be troubling times ahead.
Don’t give in
It can be so tempting to give in to your child when they are being particularly difficult, but this is not the way to overcome things.
If you give in once, they may expect you to do that again and again, which could be setting you up for further problems in the future. Don’t give in if you don’t want or need to. It is time to be as defiant as your child can be.
Things will get easier as you stick with what you believe in.
Don’t be afraid of a little screen time
Finally, sometimes you just need a cup of coffee and some quiet time and that can be given to you with a little TV or iPad time.
It doesn’t need to be for long, and there are plenty of educational apps your children can enjoy.
But you may find that it gives you a few minutes of peace and quiet. This works especially well if the weather is not that great outside.
I hope these tips help you to keep your little one occupied.
