Great things happen around the age of two. Your toddler has begun to walk and talk and is having fun discovering his new-found independence. But this feeling of freedom may also result in him discovering his naughty streak and throwing some Oscar-winning tantrums. Here’s a quick guide to how you can tackle some common flashpoints in your toddler’s behaviour.
He suddenly starts to refuse food
Don’t lose your cool. Toddlers often fear something that’s new. Introduce one food at a time, but don’t put any pressure on him to eat it. Research shows that a new food needs to be presented 15-20 times to a faddy child before he will try it. Be patient!
He has Oscar-winning tantrums and crying fits
Be calm and ignore it. If you have a tantrum back, you’ll reinforce the behaviour by giving it attention. The tantrum will eventually blow itself out, but you need nerves of steel while it does so. Try singing a favourite song to yourself as a distraction from the yelling!
He won’t go to bed
Make bedtime a calm routine of tea, play, bath, pyjamas, story in bed, kiss, goodnight song and leave. At two years old your toddler is old enough to be able to fall asleep alone in a room that is dark or dimly lit by a nightlight. Energetic play before bed does not tire out todddlers – in fact, it winds them up so they can’t then fall asleep. If your child keeps getting up out of bed, return him to bed with no words or attention. Keep doing this patiently and consistently, and he will soon learn.
He is being aggressive by biting and hitting
Be firm and immediate in your response. Say a clear "No" and then either put him in his room for a maximum of two minutes, or hold him facing the wall, away from all the action. If he struggles and cries, ignore him for two minutes and then explain that if he hits or bites again he will receive exactly the same treatment.
He refuses to take to potty training
Don’t get annoyed if he will only poo in his nappy or pants. Most children take a while to adjust to potty training, and for many it can take months before they’re ready to wave goodbye to the nappy. To help you determine if he’s really ready to think about potty training, look out for these signs:
• he tells you that he’s dirty or wet
• his nappy is dry when you get him up from naps – or dry between nappy changes, which means he is gaining bladder control
• he watches you use the toilet
• he is eager to take off his own clothes, socks and so on.
Patience and encouragement are key at this stage. No matter how many dirty nappies and wet beds you have to deal with, don’t show disappointment or frustration. Your little one will get there in his own time.
He won’t clean his teeth or put his shoes on
Rather than locking horns, turn the activity into a game – the toothbrush becomes a magic tooth-bug monster laser zapper, or the shoes become magic slippers that will give your toddler special powers! Set your little one a challenge, saying “I bet you can’t put both of your shoes on before I finish the washing-up – Mummy’s faster than you!” or “I bet I get to the bathroom before you do!”
