Is it Your Fault Your Toddler is Misbehaving? Studies Say Maybe

There isn’t a misbehaving children who hasn’t misbehaved at some point with screaming, whining and pitching an absolute fit in the supermarket because you wouldn’t buy cookies. And some of it is just because they’re toddlers and that’s what toddlers do from time to time. But other times, it’s because of our actions, or even inactions, as parents that are squarely to blame.

But there’s good news. If you see the signs, you can do something about it. You might not be able to control everything around you, and that includes your toddler at times, but you can totally control yourself.

Here are some tips on how to avoid causing misbehavior in your toddler:

Reduce distractions
We’ve all been there. We’re responding to a work email from our smartphone or even just taking a break and posting photos on Facebook. But your child sees this and when you ignore her in favor of your phone often, it will lead to undesirable behavior designed to get your attention. While sometimes we really do need to send that email, avoid being a distracted parent who neglects to acknowledge your child when she is behaving well. Focus on her for 15 or so minutes and then send her on her way to play while you take care of something and you’ll find the freak outs will disappear when you really need to get that work done.

Set a good example
They say imitation is the most sincere form of flattery. Unless a toddler is emulating your bad behavior that is. Try to be aware that your child is watching everything you do and responding accordingly. If you always use good manners, you’ll notice your child will use them too. If you say bad things or exhibit bad habits like leaving a mess, your child will also model those things. When you do something less than proper, admit it like a grown up and show your child how to make right on mistakes, which is another powerful lesson that will serve them well in time.

Watch out for cues
If you’re not paying attention, you’ll miss your child’s signs of sleepiness, or the grouchiness that comes from being hungry. So keep snacks at the ready and be mindful of the time and activities at hand. While there are certainly special occasions where timing will be off, sticking to a schedule will help keep your child from freaking out over hunger or from being tired.

Don’t expect too much
Kids are kids and if you expect too much from them, that’s a recipe for disaster. For example, if you expect your two-year-old to sit still at the dinner table, you’re not being very realistic. Your expectations for your child should be fair as well as developmentally appropriate.

 

The post Is it Your Fault Your Toddler is Misbehaving? Studies Say Maybe appeared first on Smiinky.

from Smiinky http://www.smiinky.com/fault-toddler-misbehaving-studies-say-maybe/
via Smiinky