Distraction

My favorite tactic for toddlers that are wreaking havoc "exploring" the world is distraction. If a toddler is playing in toilet water (although I suggest trying to keep the lid closed or the door shut for safety purposes, but for example sake, let's go with this scenario), instead of saying, "No", just scoop them up and tickle them or even better, take them to play a little bit in the water from the sink. They are learning and growing by trying and discovering new things. Save the "No" for when you really have to use it (in like 5 minutes). If they are pulling out all your Ziploc baggies, help them clean up (while singing the "Clean-Up" song to keep your frustrated-I've cleaned up 50 messes today voice in check) and then fly them like an airplane to the toy room. Distraction also works (sometimes) for a young child who is whining or defiant or having a melt down. Again, "sometimes". And "sometimes", we get into a power struggle or battle of will. It happens. But on a good day, try distraction. Maybe discover something so fascinating and look at it with another child and they may just come over to and forget the tiny rock in their shoe that made them fall to the ground crying. Or magically find some fruit snacks and exclaim that you will share with who ever beats you to the car if that is the battle. Don't stop to see if they take the bait, just run!

Potential

Our kids don't always act as "good" as we know they can be. But they are divine. If a child is unkind, obviously teaching in is order. But don't treat them like they are a mean person. Tell them you are disappointed in them because you know they are such a kind person and kind people treat people right. Teach them about repentance and forgiveness and trying better next time. But treat them as though they are the kindest person in the world....and they will be (eventually).

Advice from Dr. Guthrie

I love my pediatrician. He answered lots of questions through the years, but here are my tw favorite that I took to heart and became a staple in my early parenting. 1. Give lots of tummy time. As soon as their umbilical cord dries and up and fell off, I gave my kiddos tummy time and often daily. I did it because he told me it was good for their head so it wouldn’t get Mis-shapened from laying on their back so much. And I found that to be true, but I also found that they developed earlier and were strong and independent. They knew how to play by themselves and could entertain themselves longer than my baby’s that I wasn’t as good at doing tummy time with. If your baby doesn’t like tummy time, lay them down as long as they can until they cry. If they last 5 minutes, then the next time, leave them for 6 min, then 7, then 8... 2. You pick what they eat and they pick how much they eat. I love this philosophy! This allows you to control how the things they are taking into their body and allowing them control and opinion on how much they eat. If they don’t eat it, don’t give them other options at that meal. But keep exposing them to those things they wouldn’t eat...sometimes it takes multiple times of offering it to them and sometimes training their tongues to accept it. Also, telling them they get strong muscles if they eat vegetables is a win😄.