Parenting tips for young children

[Pinkdreams]

As my daughter is turning into a toddler, I’m curious as to what tips everyone has, especially for behaviour. What techniques work to teach a child to behave and not be wild and screaming in public?

Absolute consistency. And realistic expectations. Expecting them to be calm in a restaurant if they have been cooped up - not going to happen. Expecting them to sit down on a bench in a park while they have a snack - achievable.

Things like walking by roads - tell them in advance that they have to hold hands because there are lots of cars and you don't want them to get bumped. If they try to pull away repeat and say if they are finding it too hard they'll have to go in the pram. And if they do it again they go straight in the pram. So for every situation theres an explanation of what's expected in advance (can be very brief), a chance to rectify a mistake, and then a follow through if they get it wrong again.

Good luck. I have a one year old and a three year old and there's nowhere I can't take them by myself (although admittedly the dentist and doctors are definitely not my fave 😅). And if all else fails have a packet of raisins to hand. They take bloody ages to fish out!

Consistency

Realistic expectations

Don’t take them to stupid places- anyone dealing with a meltdown in a shopping centre after dragging their poor kids around clothes shopping deserves everything the kid throws at them

Run the legs off them outdoors before going to a cafe to eat. You can’t expect them to sit and behave if you haven’t met their little needs first. Bring something to amuse them- sticker book, micro mags, lite brite touch etc.

Meet their needs, manage their wants

Build up to longer stints in cafes and restaurants. Start by taking them just for a cup of milk and build on that over time. They’re wild little animals and they need to be trained and socialised.

Become completely unbothered. Find your zen. If you’re unbothered, you can deal with all the crazy.

Be firm, but fair and fun. Kids have a keen sense of injustice.

Absolute consistency.

We don’t negotiate with terrorists - if you’ve given an instruction, stick to your guns. Toddlers can smell weakness like a fart in a lift 👀😂