Bed time is bed time

Stand your ground even if your child cries or pleads for an exception to the going-to-bed rule. If you’re frustrated, try not to engage in a power struggle. Speak calmly and quietly but insist that when time’s up, time’s up.

Transiton from toddler to big bed

Nobody wants to be kicked out of bed, especially a toddler who craves consistency and familiarity. When you decide it is time to transition your toddler into her very own big girl bed, start slowly.

Daycare costs

Daycare costs run about $1,200 a month, depending on where you live. So sometimes it makes sense for one parent not to work, because when you compare that number versus the after-tax salary of one parent, two kids in daycare equal about $30,000 in annual salary.

Preschooler can do

While 3- and 4-year-olds still need plenty of parental help, our preschool experts agree that kids are typically able to do more than many of us think.

Smell the roses

Remember to slow down, watch your child carefully, and be in awe of and in awe with your child, all he is learning and all she is experiencing. Let your child re-introduce you to the world of child time, filled with wonder and awe.

From: babyparenting.about.com Opens in new window

Eat Healthy

Be a role model by eating a healthy, balanced and varied diet.

Social media warning

Parents should start by educating themselves about social media. Sign up for the services your children are on and read up about them. Find out what the dangers are and discuss them with your children.

Toddlers parrot parents

Toddlers will often want to try what their parents are eating and that is a good opportunity to get them to try some new foods, although you may have to offer it several times before they even think of trying it.

Positive attention

Make sure your displays of affection for your child outnumber any consequences or punishments. Hugs, kisses and good-natured roughhousing reassure your child of your love.

Scary experiences

A deeply stressful or scary experience such as a car accident or fire challenges a toddler’s sense of security. Dealing with the source of the trauma timely can reduce the toddler’s anxiety.

Naps evolving in second year

At some point during your toddler’s 2nd year, he’ll go from taking 2 naps to 1 and during his 3rd year, he’ll give up that nap, too.

Stop and Start behaviors

There are two kinds of behaviors. “STOP” behaviors: when your child is doing something wrong, and “START” behaviors: when your child isn’t doing what you want him or her to do.

Setting family standards

Teach your child what your family principles are – say “we say thank you in our family” or “we don’t swear in our family” and then make sure that is the case.

Enforcing predictable routines

Families function at their best when there are predictable routines in their day to day lives.

Be the boss

Be the boss and don’t be ashamed of being the boss in your relationship with your child. If you are not the boss, they will step into the power vacuum and this may have long term negative consequences.

Limiting TV time

As much as you treasure the quiet that comes with a Disney DVD, try to limit your child’s TV time to no more than two hours a day.

Structure and routine

Children thrive on structure, routine, and ritual. When their world has a consistent rhythm, they feel secure in the predictability.

Recharging the parental battery

Being a parent of a toddler takes lots of time and energy. Make sure you have some time for yourself to do something you enjoy to recharge your batteries regularly.

Positive attention and kids

Positive attention tops the list of parenting tips for toddlers. Make sure your displays of affection for your child outnumber any consequences or punishments.

Rules and children

Rather than overloading your child with rules, prioritize rules geared toward safety.