What Do Toddlers Need?
Anyone who has spent time with toddlers (children from ages one to three) knows how challenging they can be! They are a whirlwind of energy, exploring everything in sight and becoming extremely independent and downright argumentative with the exclamations of “no!” They may have daily tantrums, nightly sleep problems, battles fought at the table and on the playground. And yet, in spite of all this negativity and fierce independence, toddlers can be very charming with their spontaneous hugs and kisses, endearing smiles and infectious laughter. There are two sides to every toddler as parents well know. This charming and challenging behavior is normal development for them.
How can parents cope with and enjoy this toddler age? What do toddlers need? The most important thing toddlers need is the freedom and opportunity to explore their environment. To understand their world, toddlers need to manipulate it. Of course, not everything is meant for toddler hands. Parents need to make sure the environment is childproofed. And parents need to supervise. A small toddler can get into things faster than a wink! However, parents need to train their children. If the child wants to try out the computer, a parent can sit with him and let him tap the keys. If the child wants to stir the items in the cooking bowl, let her try with help.
Toddlers also need a few limits that are clear and consistent. They often can’t control their impulses and become frightened when they lose control. Limits, set by parents and lovingly enforced, let them know what to expect as well as provide comfort and security. If a parent decides that a half hour of Sesame Street is enough for one day, then the parent sticks to that limit no matter how much the toddler protests. Learning to live with limits is essential for life in our world; and by setting limits for toddlers, parents teach self-control and self-discipline.
Most of all, toddlers need love in heaping cupfuls, seasoned with limits and opportunities to explore.
Jill Phillips
ECFE Parent Educator