A 2-year-old is well into the age of independence. Until now, your child has looked after part of his or her mother, but is now starting to realise that he or she is his or her own person - and with his or her own will.
Your otherwise sweet toddler might throw himself on the floor of the supermarket and lash out at you when you tell him it's time to brush his teeth or go to bed. No doubt it's a tough time for both parent and child.
Here are three tips to make the age of independence easier for both parents and toddler
Advice No. 1
Keep control
Life with children brings situations where you don't know what to do. If you feel you are losing control, it is a good idea to walk away from the situation. Go to the kitchen and make a cup of tea, or something else. Tell your child you'll be back in a little while. This can help both you and your little tantrum-breaker out of a vicious circle.
This is a much better solution than starting to shout, signalling that you as an adult are not in control of the situation and cannot contain your own or your child's emotions and outbursts. This results in an upset child who may react even more strongly.
When you come back, remember to be forgiving and understanding - your child is getting to know their own feelings and may need a comfort and an extra hug.
Advice No. 2
Decide in advance what is up for negotiation
If children are allowed to call the shots, they quickly become little tyrants who rule the house. If your child refuses to wear the pink jumper and screams for the blue one, it's tempting to give in in some situations. However, this can backfire, leaving your toddler with the impression that he or she is in control. Take the conflict and show your child that you acknowledge his feelings, but that you are in charge.
Make up your mind in advance for what is negotiable and what is not. For example, it is not negotiable for your child to wear a hat, but he can choose which hat to wear.
Advice No. 3
Responsibility and recognition are the way forward
The little one will love to feel part of the family, and takes its "duties" very seriously. This will help develop your child's independence and you will automatically have a happier toddler. Also remember to acknowledge your child when he or she does something good.Let your child carry an item on the way home, or hold the rubbish bag on the way out. It could also be handing him a cloth and letting him wipe the table. Choose small tasks that your child can master. That way you'll have a proud toddler, and more help around the house!
