I thought I had a couple hours to myself after putting my son down for a nap. But little more than 30 minutes later, I heard a squeal of laughter and spotted my son toddling toward me down the hall. “How did you get out of your crib?” I said. Proud of himself, he tried to run, but I swooped him into my arms. He giggled. My little Houdini had escaped from his crib for the first time, and now he wanted to play.
We know our little people crave attention and tend to ask for it by raising their arms, tugging on our hands, or even scaling the walls of their cribs. Yes, toddlers want attention and tend to let you know it! But if you’re parenting a toddler, you know toddlers also crave these 7 things even if they don’t say so.
1. Knowledge That They’ve Done Right
When your little one uses her spoon, washes her hands, or pats the doggy nicely, let her know! In a pediatric health care study, researchers state that there’s “substantial research showing that praise, used strategically, can boost children’s feelings of competence and confidence” while criticism can “undermine their self-esteem [and] lead to greater child defiance and aggression.” So, rather than finding fault, look for opportunities to praise your child.
2. Social Time With Same-Aged Kids
Is there a toddler playgroup in your area? Research in the National Library of Medicine discusses the importance of play for children. Cognitive skills develop rapidly at this age through play, and kids learn through experience how to get along with others. In particular, the research says that “Prosocial behavior increases with a focus on interactions with peers of the same age.” Your toddler wants to be around other toddlers, and bonus—he’ll learn so much by playing with them.
3. Time Away From You at Home
I used to love it when my toddler entertained herself in her crib after she woke up from her nap. It gave me extra time but also benefitted her. Even at this early age, she’s learning how to entertain herself, and that’s a valuable coping skill. She may not tell you at this age that she wants time away from you, but she’ll be glad she had it because it taught her important skills early on.
4. Time With Other Grown-Ups
Giving your child the opportunity to play with grandparents or other caring grown-ups can strengthen his language skills and provide more opportunities for social skill development. When a loving aunt or friend cares for your toddler while you run errands, he’ll benefit! Positive interactions with a caring babysitter or daycare provider can also broaden his world and help him get more comfortable in different situations, which will help when school rolls around!
5. Follow-Through When You Say You’ll Do Something
Every person, big or small, appreciates a proper follow-through when you say you’ll do something. Your toddler will learn early on if she can rely on you. “I’ll be home soon” is a promise that shouldn’t be broken, even if you’re out getting a lot done while Daddy’s home with your toddler. Teach your child he can depend on you so that he isn’t left worrying or upset. He’ll appreciate it even if he doesn’t say so.
6. A Nap Schedule That’s Scheduled
Parenting a toddler is hard work. But being a toddler is hard work too! “Getting more daytime sleep from regular, consistent naps is important and very healthy” for your little one according to Jennifer White of Verywell Family. And while every child is different, keeping a regular nap schedule could promote better nighttime sleep as well. Waking up rested is both good for your toddler and for you!
7. Wide Open Spaces to Move and Explore
Toddlers are very curious about their world, and their motor skills are growing rapidly at this age. So why not give your child an opportunity to develop both her mind and her body? Take her to the playground, to a nature center, to a farm, or for a stroll in the woods. Let her squat to examine bugs or climb up steps at a park. Parenting a toddler may leave you exhausted at the end of the day, but when you’re both out exploring and getting fresh air, the time seems to pass more quickly. And at the end of the day, sleep comes…so…much…fasterrrrr.
What do you enjoy most about parenting a toddler?
