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.

Taking an active roll at school

Teachers can encourage parents to take an active role in the classroom by requesting volunteers for holiday parties, field trips, or book readings.

Talk directly to your toddler

Talk directly to your toddler. Look at them while you talk. Spend time talking to them; ask them questions even if they don’t have a very big vocabulary.

Sneaking babies into restaurants

When going to a restaurant don’t try to sneak your baby in. Introduce your baby to the host/hostess to make you meal go smoothly.

Take a break

After your toddler starts to play on his/her own, keep a magazine nearby and sneak a peek at a page while she is stacking blocks. She’ll let you know when she needs some more attention.

Your enthusiasm is crucial

Your child can sense your mood. If you are not interested in a toy or activity, then he’ll think that it isn’t interesting or fun either.

Choosing paint in a bedroom

When decorating a toddler’s bedroom choose a paint that can be easily cleaned with soap and water to reduce re-painting.

Thank you notes are a must

Thank you notes are important social skill builders. Children can enjoy writing thank you cards when they are fun colors and themes.

time-outs as punishment

Time out is one of the most common toddler discipline method. Keep the time brief around one minute per year of age.

Instilling values, reasoning, and incentives

It is important for parents to be consistent both in modeling behavior and in addressing appropriate versus inappropriate behavior in the child

Monkey-see, Monkey-do

Using profanity, hitting, or other disrespectful behavior may be a direct result of ‘monkey-see, monkey-do’. Kids are looking and listening to everything we do.

Communication with your kids

Talk to your toddler/child about what they and you are doing. Keeping up a steady stream of narration helps support their language development.

Ask your child’s opinion

Ask for your child’s opinion on things! This helps them realize that what they say matters.

Reasuring your kids

It is important to let your kids know you are always there for them no matter what the subject is.

Being a role model

Be a positive role model. If you’re practicing healthy habits, it’s a lot easier to convince children to do the same.

Celebrate Success

Every time your toddler succeeded in using the potty, celebrate and make him / her feel good about the achievement. The child will feel encouraged to ‘repeat’ the performance.

Making time for kids

Put time aside weekly (if not daily at dinner) for one on one time or family time.

Ideals on discipline

If you and your spouse differ on parenting ideas or discipline, talk about it separately from the child. Present a unified front.

Storybooks

Games

Coloring

Holidays

Tips Home

Recharging the parental battery