Toddler tips

[BabydollsMum]

Hi all

Wanted to start a thread on toddler tips - strategies, ways of coping with tantrums, sneaky tactics you've found to be a godsend. DD is 17 months so only just a toddler really but so far I've learned (the hard way):

Don't snatch the remote control from her. It only teaches her to snatch in return. Instead say "Oh! is that for Mummy? Thank you!" and she hands it over willingly. (I love this one.)

Also, pick your battles: if what she's doing isn't life threatening, let her learn, otherwise you'll just turn into a horrible broken record teller-offer ALL THE TIME, which can get you down.

I'd love to hear some more toddler wisdom, please.

Make sure your language is positive e.g say 'when you have your shoes on we can...........' rather than 'if you don't put your shoes on we can't..............'

If you are getting into a negative spiral go out of the room, count to ten, come back and smile and think of a positive.

Ignore tantrums if you possibly can - don't engage.

Limited choice "which coat will you wear?" rather than "will you put a coat on?" (to which the logical toddler answer is "NO")

Saying stay on the pavement rather than stay off the road so the last word they hear is where you want them to be.

Distraction - even 'Oh look, a fairy flew past' type stuff really works.

When they are demanding something over and over again that they can't have saying "I wish I could give you that' can be really helpful.

Blaming the clock when it's bedtime - 'The clock says it's bed time'. Then it's not your fault.

Have to say offering limited choice for my three has always led to them requesting option c,d,e....

And if they are winding you up beyond all reason and you're really struggling to keep your temper, tickle them. DS2 gets tickled a lot.