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How to Survive the Toddler Years
Most parents are completely surprised by how much vim and vigor a twenty-five pound toddler can pack. It is a well known fact that the toddler years can easily be some of the most trying times for parents. The good news is that with a few tips and tricks under your belt, the toddler years can indeed be survived - and even be enjoyed most of the time by both parent and child. The key to managing this often challenging phase is to allow your child room to grow and explore while at the same time, establishing boundaries and rules for him. The balance can be delicate and tricky, but is essential in developing a good relationship with your little one.
Providing a Safe Environment
Besides child-proofing your home to make it safe for your youngster to play and explore, there are other ways to offer safety and security as well. Believe it or not, a toddler feels most secure when he knows what to expect of his day, and that you will be in charge of his life until he or she is big enough to manage it on his or her own. This type of security will come from a regular daily routine, so that your little one will be able to anticipate the next activity as the day progresses. It is also important for toddlers to understand the behavior that you expect from them. You can communicate this to them through consistent boundaries and a clear enforcement of the rules of the house.
It may seem that your toddler rebels against all of your efforts at routine and boundaries in the house. These years begin the time that your son or daughter will begin to establish an independence from you, and part of this process is pushing the limits - and you - as far as possible. While this can make for a rocky relationship between you and your tot at times, rest assured that this is a necessary developmental phase for your child. It also helps if you remember that the time spent in battle will usually diminish somewhat by the time your son or daughter enters grade school. If you have succeeded in holding fast to the boundaries of your home, your child will fare better during the school years as well.
Enjoying your Toddler
There is a reason that children are so cute between the ages of two and four. When the daily power-struggles begin to wear you down, those big blue eyes, crooked smile or infectious giggle that characterize your child just might save your day. Despite the ongoing discipline issues that every parent of a toddler faces, your child is going to be a joy to watch as he or she explores the world and learns to relate to family members. You will fare much better during this life phase if you allow time for you and your child to simply play and spend time together. Sometimes the world can seem much more delightful when it is seen through a toddler's eyes. Enjoy this precious time in your toddlers life.
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