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4 Ways To Teach Your Child To Be Respectful

January 30, 2017 kidloLand Comments 0 Comment

“Treat people the way you want to be treated.”

This is a powerful saying which sums up a lot in one sentence. Every parent wants his or her child to grow into a wonderful human being. One of the most important qualities a good human possesses is politeness. A person who respects his or her peers, colleagues, authority, elders and children, is a good human. Such a person is greatly admired by people of all ages. So if you’re a new parent, how do you ensure that your child shows respect and gratitude? Read on to know 4 simple ways to teach your child to be respectful.

how to teach respect to your child — image credit: ambermb/pixabay

Lead by example.

Toddlers and preschoolers are growing and learning everything they know from what they see and hear around them. A child observes the behavior of his own parent and emulates it. If you’re a respectful person yourself, your child will effectively start practicing it himself. No matter who you talk to – be it a waiter at a restaurant or the old neighbor you see every day – be polite to each and every one. This is how your child will learn from your example.

teaching children respect and manners — image credit: london-scout/unsplash

Talk about it.

If your preschooler says some disrespectful words or phrases in anger, sit down and talk to them about it. Explain to your child, calmly, why such words and the tone of saying they can be hurtful to the other person. Teach them that kindness and politeness are some of the best qualities a person can have. If your child speaks rudely to you or the elders of the family, you can try saying this – “That is not a good thing to say. We must respect one another.” Avoid yelling or using harsh words yourself.

teach respect to kids — image credit : bevashurst/pixabay

Appreciate when your child is polite.

Disciplining your child with a firm voice when they’re being disrespectful is important. But what’s also equally important is appreciating him when he shows gratitude. Teach empathy to your child by using words such as ‘thank you’, ‘please’ and ‘excuse me’ in your daily lives. Be respectful to your child and your child will respect you too. Again, don’t yell at your child, especially in a public place. Doing this can result in him feeling embarrassed and hurt.

teaching toddler respect — image credit: Bessi/pixabay

Teach your kids to help.

Encourage your child to lend a helping hand, at home and at her preschool as well. Teach her those good manners and good behavior helps her to become a wonderful human being. A caring heart and kind words will make sure that your child grows up to be a good person overall. Teach her that even if she wants to say ‘no’, she can do it politely. Show her how to frame sentences so that it’s respectful.

Summing up

Respect means you care to think about the other person’s feelings before you act. Getting angry is natural but how you deal with it is important. If your growing child learns about being compassionate, kind and respectful to others, it’s half the battle won.

How To Develop Your Toddler’s Fine Motor Skills

December 8, 2016 kidloLand Comments 0 Comment

Raising toddlers is a Herculean task that only super moms can handle. A toddler’s daily routine includes running around the house all day, having cranky and stubborn moments and being picky with food. Amidst all of this, it is essential for every super mom to make sure your toddler is learning and growing well, too. Hand-eye coordination, learning to balance on their feet, jumping, running, grabbing objects, speech, and language skills are all important abilities that your toddler should develop. A crucial aspect of every toddler’s growth is the development of his fine motor skills. A fine motor skill is the coordination of small muscles of hands and fingers with the eyes which helps a child to perform various activities like zipping up a sweater, holding a pencil, scribbling and much more. Below are 10 ways to develop and grow your toddler’s fine motor skills :

1. Playdough

Introducing your toddler to playdough can have a lot of beneficial effects. The squeezing, rolling, squashing, poking, flattening, separating and cutting (with safety scissors) involved with playdough makes sure that your little one develops hand-eye coordination while keeping it fun and interesting. It also enables your child to fuel his creativity by creating different objects with the malleable playdough.

fine motor skill playdough — image credit: republica/pixabay

2. Tearing paper

Paper tearing might seem like a boring thing to do for adults, but for toddlers, it is extremely fun and also necessary for the development of their finger muscles. Tearing paper helps your child to enhance his grip on the paper with his fingers, increases his hand strength and also makes way for more complicated actions like opening and closing zippers and tearing bread into small pieces. A great activity to keep your toddler engaged and entertained is to let him tear papers into small pieces and make a collage from it.

3. Finger exercises

Finger exercises are a significant addition to your child’s fine motor skill development. This is also a simple and helpful activity for your baby to develop hand-eye coordination. Even simple activities like holding a pencil, clapping, crumpling paper, holding a ball etc. can make a huge difference in your child’s growth.

4. Finger and hand painting

Apart from being a creative way to develop fine motor skills, this is also an essential aspect of your toddler’s artistic progress. Let your child dip her fingers and hands in toddler-safe or edible paint and set her free with a blank canvas or printable coloring sheets. This is how you will motivate and encourage her imagination.

finger painting fine motor skills — image credit: nadinedoerle/pixabay

5. Coloring and doodling

Another way to develop your child’s creative talent is to provide coloring books or printables to him. Crayons, coloring markers, pencils are all great for your children to set their imagination free. You can also let your toddler scribble or doodle on a white sheet of paper. This activity imbibes patience, improves bilateral coordination, develops their color sense and keeps them engaged for quite some time.

6. Tracing

Tracing is a task that helps to develop fine motor skills in a huge way. Children learn how to control their grip on the pencil, learn to draw carefully along the dotted lines which can be curved or straight and thus, prepares them for preschool. Spatial awareness and dexterity are some of the benefits of tracing activity. You can also download apps like KidloLand which includes fun tracing and tapping games to further help your child.

7. Grasping activities

Building your toddler’s hand strength can make things much easier for him/her when they start preschool. Give multiple objects to your child to grasp, such as plastic glasses, toys they can squeeze, toys that they can shake, building blocks etc. Switch it up in between by asking them to pick up a tiny object and then pick up a big object. This makes for good hand and finger exercise for every toddler.

fine motor skills activities toddler — image credit: jarmoluk/pixabay

8. Cutting paper with safety scissors

The next level of your child’s hand and finger development is getting him used to cutting (only with safety scissors). Cutting paper or playdough with safety scissors can refine their finger strength and hand-eye coordination. Your child can start with cutting straight lines, curved lines, circles, squares, and many other shapes. Supervision is a must, especially for this activity.

9. Sock puppets

Easy DIY sock puppets are exciting and significant for the development of fine motor skills. Making different sock puppets will let your toddler think creatively, encourage imaginative play and also improve hand-eye coordination. It’s a complete win-win situation for both, parents and kids! Parents.com has a great video to make a simple sock puppet.

10. Sticking and folding

Sticking and folding small pieces of paper or using stickers can help your toddler improve his spatial awareness and also increase his finger strength. Exposing your kids to art and craft activities can not only keep things fun and interesting for them but also improves their creative skill, hence making them perfectly ready for preschool.

fine motor skill toddlers — image credit: vincentvan/pixabay

Summing up

Fine motor skills and gross motor skills are important milestones of every toddler’s and preschooler’s development and starting early is very effective. Encourage your little one to perform the activities above and get him/her ready for preschool easily.

The Best A-Z Guide For Your Baby’s Day Out This Thanksgiving

November 17, 2016 kidloLand Comments 0 Comment

Traveling with little kids is stressful, but it gets worse during the Thanksgiving season. People throng to airports and cause traffic jams on the roads in huge numbers in order to visit their families for the holiday. Thanksgiving is one of the busiest times of the year and the long wait at airports or traffic jams can be incredibly frustrating for your little one. No matter how you’re traveling, by flight or by car, you absolutely need a checklist to make sure you have everything. Your travel bag should consist of all the essentials – a first-aid box, food and medicine, electronics, toiletries for your baby and more. Here’s an A to Z guide that can come in handy when you travel for the Thanksgiving holiday!

A

Anti-bacterial wipes – These can be useful to wipe your hands after a diaper change in the car.
Allergy medication – If your baby is prone to allergies, make sure you carry the necessary allergy medicines.

B

Baby food – This is essential because your child will get hungry during the long car ride or flight.
Bib – Carry a plastic-coated bib to catch any spit, drool and to make it easier to clean up after feeding time.
Bowls – Bowls or small plates are important to carry so that your toddler can eat from it easily.
Band-aids – Necessary to cover your child’s cuts and scraped knees.
Blankets – If you’re traveling to a colder region, this is a must!
Bathing suit – Carry a bathing suit if you’re traveling to a warmer town.
Baby creams – Carry travel-sized lotion and moisturizer which will keep your baby’s skin soft and free of rashes.

C

Comfortable clothing – Long rides can be boring; comfortable clothing for kids can help them doze off faster.
Car charger – If you plan to use some electronic devices for your child to play with during the journey, pack a car charger with you as well.
Car seat – A car seat is mandatory for your child’s safety. Healthychildren.org has great guidelines for infants, toddlers, preschoolers & older kids.

D

Diaper bag – Pack these necessities in your baby’s diaper bag.

E

Eatables – These can include some of the snacks that your child loves to eat. It’s okay if it has a few unhealthy options as long as it keeps your child happy during the journey.

F

First-aid kit – This can come in handy for any unexpected problems that may arise.
Formula – Formula, breast milk and juice for infants or toddlers are permitted through the security checkpoint at airports. For more information, you can read the TSA’s rules.

G

Gloves – This is another essential for travel to colder towns.

H

Hand sanitizer – Hand sanitizer can be very helpful to keep your hands clean during long rides.
Hair supplies – Hair ties, combs, etc. are some important additions to the checklist.

I

iPad – You can carry any electronic device where your toddler can play with apps. KidloLand is one such educational app where children can have fun with learning.

J

Jackets – Jackets or sweaters are a must-have to keep your baby warm.

K

Kleenex – Tissues can be very convenient to keep your hands clean.

L

Lollipop – You can give lollipops to your children to ease the pressure on their ears during take-off or landing.
Lullabies – Apps which have good lullabies and bedtime songs can be really helpful when your child is having trouble sleeping.

M

Medicines – For unexpected sicknesses.

N

Napkins – An essential in every travel bag!

O

Baby Oil – Pack travel-sized baby oil to moisturize your baby’s skin.

P

Pillows – Make sleeping comfortable for your little one by taking some small pillows with you.
Pacifier – Use of a pacifier during naps or bedtime can significantly lower the risk of SIDS.
Portable Potty – A travel potty can help your child relieve himself in times of emergencies.

Q

Quilt – Cozy bedding can enable your child to have a pleasant journey.

R

Reading material – You can either carry story books or get an app which has stories and fables to entertain your child.

S

Sunscreen – Pack a travel-sized bottle of sunscreen to protect your child’s skin.
Socks – A pair of socks are perfect to keep those little feet warm.
Stroller – If you’re on a car journey to your hometown, make sure you bring a stroller along with you.
Shampoo – Travel-sized shampoo can come in handy while you’re on a long-haul flight.
Sippy cups – Sippy cups can keep a child engaged on flights and also help him during take-off and landing.
Stuffed animal – Your child’s favorite stuffed animal can be the perfect companion for your baby if he gets scared or worried.

T

Toothbrush – An essential part of your toiletries packing list.
Toothpaste – Pack a small toothpaste tube.
Toys – When your child gets bored, he’ll need some toys to play with. Make sure you don’t pack the squeaky toys.
Thermometer – For any unexpected illnesses.
Towel – To clean up easily.
Trash bag – You can use a trash bag to collect your child’s soiled diapers for disposal.

U

Underwear – Always keep an extra pair of your child’s underwear with you.
Umbrella – For any unexpected rain.

V

Veggies – Cook your child’s favorite vegetables and bring them with you for a healthy snack.

W

Wipes – An essential for a child’s packing checklist.
Water Bottle – Your child will get thirsty often, make sure you have enough water with you.

Z

Ziploc bag – You can pack individual outfits of your child or pack snacks in Ziploc bags.

How To Get Your Toddler To Eat Healthy Food

October 27, 2016 kidloLand Comments 0 Comment

Let’s be real – if you keep a bowl of veggies and a slice of pizza in front of your toddler, he will most likely go for the pizza. Your child is growing and you definitely do not want his diet to consist of fast food and junk food. A nutritious and balanced diet composed of healthy food plays an important role in a child’s overall development. Vitamins, minerals, calcium, carbohydrates, proteins – your kid needs them all.

If your child is a picky eater and heavily prefers sugary treats over fresh vegetables and fruits, this list will come in handy. Here are some recommendations for you to get your toddler to eat healthy food!

Make food fun

Healthy food doesn’t have to be boring! Cut soft carrots, tomatoes, cucumbers or strawberries, bananas etc. and make funny faces with those slices. Vegetables & fruits provide essential vitamins and minerals to your child and it’s necessary to make it a part of your toddler’s meal time. Remember, eye-catching presentation goes a long way!

kids healthy food — image credit: Bubblejuice/pixabay

Sneak in some healthy food

Prepare a purée of certain vegetables that your toddler wouldn’t eat otherwise, and use it as a sauce. Make a dip made of beetroot or avocado and serve it to your unsuspecting child. You can also disguise a few vegetables inside a bowl of chicken soup!

Make healthier options for toddlers

If your child has very limited choices in terms of food, don’t worry, you can make healthier versions of them! Include bread and cereal in his diet that is made from whole grain. Bake potato chips instead of frying them. Make pasta, but include veggies and puréed vegetable sauces in them.

toddler-healthy-fruit — image credit: Jill111/Pixabay

Be a good role model for kids

Practice what you preach! Don’t expect your children to follow a healthy balanced diet if they see you munching on fatty foods. Be a good example – eat healthy, nutritious food and your child will follow your lead.

toddler-healthy-eating — image credit: tookapic/pixabay

Set a schedule

Your child might feel like snacking on something only because he is bored. Avoid this by setting a schedule of eating. If your toddler really likes to snack in between, give him some fresh fruits to nibble on occasionally.

Set limits

If your toddler craves for some unhealthy food or chocolates occasionally, don’t refuse him completely. Make your rules clear to your children and stick to them. A small cookie, candies are completely fine as long as they are eaten in moderation.

healthy-food-toddler — image credit: EdMontez/Pixabay

Be innovative

Children get bored very easily. Make it interesting every time by adding new veggies, fruits or by presenting it in a different way. As a parent, you have to be on your toes if you don’t want your toddler to get bored with healthy food!

Consult a doctor and decide on a good, balanced diet for your child. Kidshealth.org has a nutrition guide for toddlers that you can check out.

How To Help Your Toddler Welcome A New Baby

October 26, 2016 kidloLand Comments 0 Comment

A new baby on the way is an exciting time for everyone. But how do you prepare your toddler for the change that’s coming? Try to tell your three-year-old that she’s getting a new brother or sister before you tell other family and friends. If her auntie asks her if she’s looking forward to the new baby, and you haven’t explained it to her yet, she may get a bit baffled. Here are 5 ways you can prepare your toddler for a new addition to the family!

1. Talk about the new baby daily until and after she arrives.

Explain that a new baby is being brought into the family because you have more love to share. Try this, “Daddy and I had you because we had lots of love to give. We are having/had your
sister because we found even more love to give. Do you think you’ll have love in your heart to give to your new baby sister?”

2. Include your toddler in your preparations.

Let him help you pack your bag for the hospital, clean the bottles, paint the nursery and put diapers away. Take a tour of the hospital or birthing center with your toddler in tow. Be sure to
sneak a peek at the new arrivals too.

3. Have your toddler pick out a gift just for the new baby.

Take a special trip to the store and have your toddler pick out a gift just for the new baby. Likewise, pick out a special gift from the baby for his big brother or sister. When your baby and toddler meet, have them give their gifts to each other.

4. Give your toddler a role.

Talk often about the fact that each member of the family is important in their own way and makes their own special contribution. The family needs each person for it to be whole.

5. Give a little extra love.

Emphasize the older child’s importance by going through his baby pictures and talking about what a wonderful baby he was, and what a wonderful boy he is now.

Image Credits: sathyatripodi, christianabella, sathyatripodi

Top 10 Fun Winter Activities For Kids

October 20, 2016 kidloLand Comments 0 Comment

Soon, it will start snowing and in a couple of months, Christmas will be here! Kids everywhere absolutely love playing in the snow while parents do not look forward to shoveling their driveway. Some people get excited for winter while some detest it. Well, you don’t have to be glum just because there’s hardly any sunshine. You can still make the best of it by participating in fun winter activities with your family.

Here are 10 awesome winter activities that you can enjoy with your kids!

1. Go skiing on the snow

A snow skiing getaway can be a great experience for the whole family. Kids can easily learn to ski with a good instructor and some practice!

2. Snowball fights

After you make sure that the snow doesn’t have shards of ice or stones in it, you can make small snowballs and have a snowball fight! This is a great way to relax, relieve stress and have fun with your children.

3. Shovel snow

Shoveling snow can be a dreadful experience if you’re doing it alone. On the other hand, your kids will be excited to shovel snow with you! Get your kids their own kid’s snow shovels and shovel snow together. This can be very helpful to keep them physically active during winter.

4. Go fishing

Get dressed in appropriate (layered) winter fishing gear, find a good spot and relax. Winter lowers the metabolism of fish and hence, they’ll feed more if the bait is small. If you’ve never gone fishing with your child, this can be a brand new experience. Stay safe and have a great time.

5. Go sledding

Sledding is an exciting recreational winter activity enjoyed by kids and adults alike. Revel in the breathtaking views of snow-capped hills and enjoy sledding down the slope!

6. Go ice skating

What is winter without some ice skating? Going ice skating is a must-do activity in winter. Experience the cold breeze of a crisp morning and have fun gliding on the ice.

7. Make snow angels

If you ask your kids to make snow angels in the snow, they will happily oblige! Don’t forget to capture these beautiful moments on camera!

8. Make a snowman

The next logical step after making a snow angel is to make a snowman! Find a good place with lots of snow, make snowballs for the snowman’s body and get creative with the accessories!

9. Make sock puppets

Staying indoors in winter can also be interesting for kids. Making sock puppets is simple and easy, you can watch this tutorial video to know more. Attach googly eyes and some fabric to complete your very own unique sock puppet!

10. Make paper snowflakes

This winter art & craft activity only needs two things – paper and scissors (Side note for parents – make sure you do all the cutting). Every design you create and cut will be different, just like a special snowflake! Here’s a great guide to find out how to make beautiful paper snowflakes.

Image Credits: MihaiParaschiv, rogerconnertn, AdinaVoicu, PublicDomainPictures

7 Best Halloween Costume Ideas For Family

7 Best Halloween Costume Ideas For The Family

October 19, 2016 kidloLand Comments 0 Comment

Halloween is right around the corner! It’s that time of the year when your entire family dresses up in quirky outfits and wears crazy make-up – the spookier the better! Halloween is filled with great activities like costume parties, carving jack-o’-lanterns, putting up spooky decorations, trick or treating and so much more. Every parent loves to team up with their child and become the center of attention of every Halloween party. It’s a great experience for you to bond with your child and create memories that you can treasure for the rest of your life.

If you’re not sure of what you and your kid want to dress up as for Halloween this year, don’t worry!
Here are 7 easy and awesome Halloween costume ideas for you and your little one!

1. Tortoise and Hare

‘The Tortoise and the Hare’ is one of the most famous Aesop’s Fables. For the tortoise costume, you can dress your munchkin in a green colored outfit. Get him a backpack shaped like a tortoise shell and you have a cute little tortoise! You can dress yourself in a brown outfit and add bunny ears to go with it.

2. Elsa and Anna

If you have a daughter, she’s most probably obsessed with the Disney movie ‘Frozen’. Halloween is the perfect occasion to team up with your daughter as Disney princesses. You can let your daughter be either Anna, Elsa (or even Olaf!) depending on her choice, and you can be the other Disney princess. And don’t worry, Dads can dress up as princesses too!

3. The Addams Family

‘The Addams Family’ has been an integral part of our childhood. You can take a trip down memory lane by dressing yourself as either Morticia (the mom) or Gomez (the dad). Your daughter can be Wednesday Addams or your son can be Pugsley Addams. This is also a great family Halloween costume idea!

4. Cruella De Vil and a Dalmatian

Both famous characters are a part of ‘101 dalmatians’. Your toddler can dress up in an adorable dalmatian costume. As Cruella De Vil, you can wear a long black dress and temporarily dye half of your hair silver or wear a wig!

5. Batman and Robin

Spice up your Halloween by being the Robin to your child’s Batman! Find an awesome Robin costume for yourself online and a tiny Batman costume for your little superhero! What fun it will be to be your son’s sidekick!

6. Mickey and Minnie Mouse

Mickey and Minnie Mouse ears are extremely easy to find. Grab a pair of those ears, add short red pants with two buttons for the Mickey Mouse costume and a polka dotted red skirt for the Minnie Mouse costume. That’s it! Easy as pie!

7. Starbucks cold coffee and employee

Dress up as a Starbucks employee by wearing a black shirt and black pants with a green apron. Stick the Starbucks logo on it. For your child, you can make the cold coffee outfit yourself – just take a big cylindrical cardboard roll, print the Starbucks logo and stick it on the cardboard. Add ruffled white fabric to imitate foam, add a green straw made by cardboard, and voila! Your cold coffee is ready!

Image credits: lcr3cr, Mojpe, Jill111, PublicDomainPictures

10 Ways To Raise Shy Kids

October 18, 2016 kidloLand Comments 0 Comment

Every child is inherently different. Some children are extroverted and outgoing, while some others are shy and introverted. Every child has a distinct temperament. If your child is one of the shy ones, don’t be worried! It’s okay to have a shy child and there is nothing wrong with it. Researchers have found that inhibition is an important aspect of temperament that is partly hereditary. They also believe that some children are biologically born shy. So instead of trying to change the fact that your little one is shy, embrace it!

Here are 10 ways you can care for your introverted bundle of joy –

1. Let them know that you understand

Your child needs conversation and he will be most comfortable with his own parents. Make sure you keep talking to your child gently and let him know that you understand and care for him.

2. Ask questions

Ask your child if something or someone is bothering him, kindly. Do not interrogate your child in any way. Have patience and give him time to open up. He will respond positively to kindness.

3. Encourage outdoor play time

Your shy child doesn’t have to stay at home all the time. Let him be around other kids of the same age. Even if he doesn’t open up to the other kids easily, at least it will expose him to social settings which will eventually help him warm up to them.

4. Be Patient

Nothing is worse than pressurizing a shy child. Don’t rush him to do something. Give him time, even if he’s taking more time than the other kids. Take a deep breath and just be patient with your child. Use a calm and soothing voice to help your child.

5. Help them find their passion

Some kids can be very timid but can express themselves better through art. Maybe your child likes to draw or maybe your child loves to play the piano. Whatever it is, channel this interest of your shy child into a passion she will truly treasure forever. It will be a liberating experience for your child and bring great joy to her.

6. Motivate your child

Be their personal cheerleader. If your child is making an effort to do something out of his comfort zone, appreciate him and remind him that he’s doing great! “I know that this was difficult for you but you did it so well!” is a great way to uplift and inspire your child.

7. Don’t shame or humiliate them

Do not compare them to other children, especially with harsh words. Don’t put them on the spot. This can give your child anxiety and lower her confidence even further. Your child doesn’t choose to be introverted – this is just how she is.

8. Don’t force them

Don’t force them into any situation they clearly want to avoid. If they really don’t want to do something, don’t push them to do it. Interacting with other people can be stressful and emotionally draining for your child and sometimes it’s better to take a break.

9. Encourage them to express themselves

Your child might have a lot of ideas, questions, opinions, fears which she just doesn’t know how to express. Make it easier for her by encouraging her to ask you anything at all. Make it a routine so that she gradually gets comfortable with it. Answer these questions with attentiveness & positivity.

10. Be affectionate

Avoid calling your child ‘shy’ every time. You don’t need to put your child into a category. Be affectionate, sympathetic and loving to your kid. Snuggle and hug your little one every chance you get!

It is essential to know if your child is introverted by nature or has become reserved because of a specific event. If your child is going through something or if the shyness is severe, it is best to take her to a mental health professional who specializes in child care. Either way, keep loving your children just the way they are!

Image credits: LuidMilaKot , Ben_Kerckx , Unsplash

10 Easy Exercises For Your Child

October 14, 2016 kidloLand Comments 0 Comment

Any form of physical activity or exercise is a must for every individual. Children are active little creatures and running all around the place comes naturally to them. Being agile right from an early age has health benefits which will be useful even when your child grows up.

Unfortunately, childhood obesity is the number 1 health concern in the United States according to heart.org. Childhood obesity, in turn, leads to other health problems such as type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol levels, and high blood pressure. An overweight child can also suffer from low self-esteem and sadness, which is extremely worrying.

This can be prevented by maintaining a healthy balance of a good diet and sufficient physical activity for your child. ShapeAmerica.org has great guidelines for the exercise duration and requirements of infants, toddlers, and preschoolers. Remember, exercise doesn’t have to be boring!

Here are 10 fun and easy exercise ideas that your child can do easily : …

10 Strategies To Teach Your Toddler To Listen Better

October 12, 2016 kidloLand Comments 0 Comment

A toddler begins to exhibit non-compliance at the age of two! Common behaviors during this stage are frequent use of the word “no,” difficulty sharing, claiming possessions as “mine”, picky eating, and throwing tantrums when they do not get their way. Below are a few strategies for minimizing non-compliance and increasing listening.

Top 10 Strategies To Teach Your Toddler To Listen Better Are:

1. Be genuine and sincere

Use phrases such as “I need you to” instead of “You need to” when you need your child to do something.

2. Use directives and questions rarely

Avoid firing questions or instructions to your child that they fail to respond to.

3. Be a good listener

Be a role model for good listening by showing that you are listening to your child by imitating and reflecting back what your child says.

4. Provide information

Give information in a non-demanding manner like “It is time to get changed” or “I’d like you to get changed,”, hoping that your child will consider the information and change their behavior.

5. Give choices with acceptable parameters

State all requests or directions as choices when you can. Instead of saying, “You need to get dressed now.” Try, “Do you want to put on your shirt or pants first?”

6. Reinforce your message

Along with verbal messages, give visual cues, physical cues, and demonstrations. Say, “Time for bed!” by flicking the light switch, laying a hand on baby’s shoulder and steering her toward her bed and pulling down the covers and patting the pillow.

7. Get down to the child’s level

Eye contact is important. Squat down or pick up your child, so you can look him in the eye and get his attention.

8. Practice friendly and a positive tone

Make use of positive terms that tell your child what to do (e.g., “Walk!”) instead of what not to do (e.g., “No running!”).

9. Give warnings

Practice giving advance notices before a big change will take place, especially if your toddler happily involved with toys or a friend.

10. Use appropriate language

Make use of positive terms that tell your child what to do (e.g., “Walk!”) instead of what not to do (e.g., “No running!”).

Image Credits: PublicDomainPictures, Kasman, ImagesBG