Tips On How To Make Your Days Go A Little Smoother

We are so excited to share another guest post from It Takes A Village Baby Consultants, a great article for all those moms with toddlers!

Leaving an activity that they love is difficult for most toddlers. They often do not have the words to express themselves so they do the next best thing, they tantrum. There are a few things you can do to help your little one transition from one activity to the next during their day:

Give your toddler plenty of time to prepare for the transition. Tell him that it is coming, “We are going to be getting in the car soon so you can watch a little more of your show”. While it is getting closer to the time to go, keep giving him reminders. When it is time to go firmly but calmly turn off the T.V. and say, “It’s time to go lets get in the car”.
Give a five -minute warning before changing the activity or taking away a preferred toy. For example, “You can play with the play dough for five more minutes. You can set a timer or count down on your own (“Two more minutes”).
Give your toddler a job. “Mommy needs you to hold her keys while I get ready to go”. “When we get home, I need my strong guy to hold the door for me” or “When we get home I need you to help me get your snack ready” (then during the ride home, talk about what you can both make). This gives him something to focus on rather than leaving the preferred activity.
Make a game out of it. “Let’s see how fast you can pick up your toys” I will count.
Be silly. Toddlers love when you act silly or say things in a silly voice.

Remember to be firm and consistent. Most importantly, be understanding. Toddlers are egocentric and only understand the here and now. Your little one is not doing this to make you late or to upset you. He is only thinking about how much fun he is having, and he doesn’t want to leave the fun.

-Joanne

It Takes a Village Baby Consultants™ is a hands-on baby consulting firm located in Philadelphia. Founded by two trusted and accomplished health care and developmental parent-support professionals, It Takes a Village Baby Consultants™ provides essential support and services including consultations for new parents and growing families. Make sure to follow along on the It Takes A Village Baby Consultants blog for some great articles and advice for moms.

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