11 Tips To Raise A Happy And Well-Groomed Toddler!

1 to 3 years

Created by Kejal Teckchandani
Updated on Mar 18, 2018

11 Tips To Raise A Happy And Well Groomed Toddler

We all want well-groomed children but don’t we wonder what is the right way to discipline children without getting too harsh or without affecting their original personality. Although it seems like we are asking for too much, it is possible to have a happy toddler by following some simple rules. The way we react to our child’s behavior teaches them a lot.

Tips To Raise A Happy Toddler

Many a time, what we really end up doing is to address a toddler’s behavior without questioning what the root cause is. A toddler doesn’t throw a tantrum or “behave” in a certain manner just to frustrate you. So it is important to look at long-term results than just getting your toddler to obey you in that moment. Here are some tips to raise a happy toddler:

Find out what is really troubling your child:
A lot of times, children at the toddler stage are frustrated on account of their inability to express themselves. Teaching your little one how to sign a few key words or express themselves effectively -- such as more, food, milk, and tired -- can work wonders
Even your toddler needs space:
Don’t we all need space when we’re upset or angry? Several times children need to vent their anger. At that time, it’s best to give them their space
Never resort to physical punishment:
By spanking them, you are teaching them to handle their anger in that way. The next time you feel the urge to spank, take a deep breath instead and consider what you want your toddler to learn
Speak in a calm tone and practice self-control:
Talking in a soothing voice shows your toddler that you're not going to let her behavior get to you. What helps your child learn is when your response shows her a different, more constructive way to handle these feelings
Create a diversion:
Children have very short attention spans -which means they're usually easy to divert. And it always helps
Don’t forget to hug and cuddle:
Hugs make children feel secure and let them know that you care about them, even if you don't agree with their behavior. This is an absolutely important aspect of unconditional parenting
Talk about feelings, and how to handle them:
Read books and notice aloud how the characters are feeling: ‘The dog is really happy that he got a bone.’ And share your own feelings. When your child can label how he is feeling, it helps him gain control over his emotions and communicate them to others
Empathize with your toddler:
Put yourself in your child’s shoes and show him the kindness he needs from you. In a simple scenario, if your little one has to wait until his meal has cooled down, show him the steam rising from the bowl. Tell him that when the steam goes away, you can test the meal on a spoon to see if it is cool enough
Use timers:
If there are two or more children playing, give them each a few minutes, using the timer, to play with a toy they both want
Let them make their own choices:
Let them choose, appropriate to their age, what to wear, and what to eat (within reason), what to play, whom to play with. This gives them a feeling of control and supports their growing confidence and sense of competency, the belief that “I can do it”
The importance of self-control and patience:
There are many daily moments when you can teach your child this skill. For example, games that require turn-taking are great for practicing how to wait and share. Rolling a ball back and forth is an example

It’s a good idea to keep your response ready for situations, which typically occur often. That way, you will find yourselves being caught off-guard in fewer situations. Besides having a far more well-behaved toddler, you will also find yourself a lot calmer