Handling Spirited Toddlers

It takes lots of patience living with a toddler, especially spirited toddler. The toddler years are the most trying times for parents. Toddlers are busy. They are climbing and jumping and throwing things! This is stressful for parents. It is more stressful if the child is very energetic: doing more than usual toddlers and having longer lasting and more intense tantrums, which makes taking care of them harder. But there are ways to defuse daily battles with toddlers; parents just need to teach their children self-control.

So what should parents do? Parents should let their children know what is coming. Spirited children need events spelled out to them. They can become anxious when they can't predict what's coming next. So when it is time to leave the playground, it is recommended that you tell him what you are going to do next. You can tell him or her details like: you'll go to the car, we'll drive straight home, find Sis and Dad there, and have spaghetti for dinner.

Parents need to be clear and consistent. Children need security and consistency of clear rules and set limits. Thus, if naptime is after lunch and your child does not want to nap, be firm and confident in enforcing his or her rest period.

Physical contact is also important. Children need connection. So, it is important that you spend time to cuddle with your children or play with them or give them a backrub before bed. Physical contact lets children know that they can trust you to be there for them. This can also help make them become more independent.

Creating a "yes" environment can also help control your children. Parents should let their child pour their own juice, use a fork, and put on his own shoes. It doesn't matter that it would be a little messier or it takes a little longer. Letting your child do these little things can help increased independence and cooperation. Parents should also ensure that there are no danger spots at home. The more child friendly your home is, the less you'll be fighting with him or her to keep away from special things and places.

And more importantly, parents should soothe their child's senses and acknowledge their child's feelings. Soothing their senses will help wind down when your child's intensity level starts to rise. You can give your child a warm bath on a cold night, put a cool washcloth on his forehead on a summer afternoon, or let him play with his rubber ducks in the kitchen sink while you're cooking. Parents should also talk to their toddler and let the child know that he is not the only one who is overcome by difficult emotions sometimes. Remember not to become angry with the child when your perfectly logical explanations don't result in his quick compliance.

These activities can help you get connected and empathize with your child. It will help your child learn to trust you and become more cooperative with you.