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catastrophy) wrote2009-12-29 10:50 pm
catastrophy) wrote2009-12-29 10:50 pm
Tips for Dealing with Toddlers (and Small Children)
Tip #2
Body language is important.
What the Dog Whisperer tells you about body language and dogs is also true for people. Especially young people just developing the verbal skills adults rely on. Get your face in on the act! If you're happy the tyke finished her Cheerios or did peepees on the potty, let's see a big smile and sparkly eyes! If the half-pint just decked her sibling or threw her spaghetti on the floor, scrunch up your face, give her the stink-eye, and make darn sure she knows she's in for a "time out" before you even say the words.
Why does it matter? Toddlers are just discovering that the things they do have an impact on the world around them, including other people. A little girl who's just learning to recognize what "I need to go potty" feels like needs some help figuring out other people's emotions. All the more so because your emotions have more impact on her than abstract rules. "Food goes on your plate or in your mouth" as rule doesn't mean much to a 2 year old. Whereas, "Food goes on your plate or in your mouth because Auntie hates cleaning spaghetti off the floor" is easier to understand because she can see a tangible, meaningful result (your disappointment) of her rule-breaking.
Body language is important.
What the Dog Whisperer tells you about body language and dogs is also true for people. Especially young people just developing the verbal skills adults rely on. Get your face in on the act! If you're happy the tyke finished her Cheerios or did peepees on the potty, let's see a big smile and sparkly eyes! If the half-pint just decked her sibling or threw her spaghetti on the floor, scrunch up your face, give her the stink-eye, and make darn sure she knows she's in for a "time out" before you even say the words.
Why does it matter? Toddlers are just discovering that the things they do have an impact on the world around them, including other people. A little girl who's just learning to recognize what "I need to go potty" feels like needs some help figuring out other people's emotions. All the more so because your emotions have more impact on her than abstract rules. "Food goes on your plate or in your mouth" as rule doesn't mean much to a 2 year old. Whereas, "Food goes on your plate or in your mouth because Auntie hates cleaning spaghetti off the floor" is easier to understand because she can see a tangible, meaningful result (your disappointment) of her rule-breaking.