Toddlerhood is sometimes described as terrible by some parents especially when they turn 2 (‘terrible two’) but let’s change this negative myth or cliché because having a toddler can also be very interesting and fun. I personally feel that I have appreciated life more when my son entered this amazing stage of exploration and curiosity. My inner child is alive again and I am loving it. So far, my experience is not terrible at all.
Toddlers love some Independence
Yes, this means making some unexpected mess but this is all part of learning how to do things on their own like eating their dinner for example. My little one started to learn how to feed himself using a spoon or a fork when he turned one. Now that he is almost 3, I could say he is now very good at it. Making a mess is worth it if they will learn these basic skills especially if it also means we can have a meal together as a family. My husband seems to be braver in teaching our little one how to be independent. He taught him how to independently come down a flight of stairs and to start potty training. So, dads, you have the special power to develop their self-confidence and dexterity (physical and mental) to achieve important milestones and to overcome fear.
Toddlers love Exploring
Climbing, singing, dancing and asking questions-these are just some of the many activities that your toddler loves doing at this stage. Yes, they have discovered the beauty of speech. At last, they can now express what they want without leaving you clueless. There will be times when they will insist on their demands but remember that you are the parent. It is hard to see them upset and frustrated but it is all part of the learning process to practise self-control. This stage is also the best time to start drawing the line between right and wrong. It is important to create a loving relationship with good communication and respect.
Toddlers are Creative Beings
One of the best things about toddlerhood is that this stage is very colourful especially to us as new parents. All their senses are now full on so activities are more interactive. You can finally start doing fun things together and they love it. They can now also appreciate colours, shapes, numbers and the letters of the alphabet so you can make the most of their attention with exciting learning activities like pretend play, painting, drawing and reading books just to name some.
Toddlers like Expressing their Emotions
Imagine waking up in the morning and sleeping at night full of love. Again, not a terrible thing at all right? My little one loves cuddles and kisses especially before he sleeps at night and when he wakes up in the morning. There was one morning when he asked me, “Are you happy today Mommy?’’ My heart always melts whenever he blurts out random words of affection like this. I make sure we have what I call ‘talk-to-me’ time before he goes to sleep at night when I ask him what he did in school for example or sometimes we sing together as he falls asleep. Yes, there will be times of extreme opposite feelings of frustration and impatience but these moments are learning opportunities to help them control their emotions. I have learned that the best strategy are firm, consistent and loving reactions or responses from us as parents. I thought that if I teach him how to express love despite of negativity, he will become a more positive and optimistic person as he grows up.
Toddlers sleep Longer
Perhaps the best part of toddlerhood for us as new parents is a good night sleep. My son is two and a half years old and he now sleeps from 8:30pm to 6:30am or 7am during non-nursery days. Every child will be different but this is good news to all new mums and dads that there is light at the end of what you thought to be a never-ending sleep deprivation. Toddlers also require a nap during the day. Kyrie, my son, sleeps an hour or sometimes up to 2.5 hours during the day. He started this routine consistently when he turned 2. The secret to prevent meltdowns during playtime is to make sure that toddlers have naptimes. This is vital in their overall growth and development.
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