Medium
Toddlers are learning how to express feelings, make choices, and explore independence — often all at once!
Quick Tips for Everyday Success
- Create consistent routines. Predictability gives toddlers a sense of safety.
- Stay calm during meltdowns. Tantrums are normal — they’re your child’s way of learning to manage frustration.
- Label emotions. Use simple language like “You’re sad,” or “You’re excited!” to help them name what they feel.
- Give choices. Offering small decisions (“Do you want the red cup or the blue one?”) builds confidence and independence.
Parent Tip: When your toddler acts out, connect before correcting. A calm tone and gentle touch go further than timeouts or lectures.
Common Challenges and How to Respond
Tantrums and Meltdowns (Toddlers–Preschool)
What’s happening: Young children are overwhelmed and lack words to express frustration.
Try this:
- Stay calm — your calm helps them calm down.
- Get on their level and acknowledge their feelings (“You’re mad we can’t stay at the park”).
- Talk about what happened afterward, when they’re ready.
Avoid: Yelling or long explanations — toddlers can’t process those when upset.
Difficulty Sharing or Taking Turns (Preschool–K–3)
What’s happening: Kids are learning social skills and self-control.
Try this:
- Use gentle reminders and praise sharing when it happens.
- Use timers or turn-taking games.
- Highlight how sharing makes others feel happy and connected.