Some parents struggle with their toddlers who throw tantrums. Toddler power struggles make most moms feel powerless to keep up with their children’s attitude. Some wonder what could they possibly do to prevent this and communicate with toddlers properly.
What causes toddler power struggles?
Every human being longs for a bit of power, socially and emotionally. Before children reach the age of two (2), they possess little sense of their own self. Most say that parents and children become one, especially from the child’s perspective. However, as the years go by, the child begins to learn that they’re separate from their parents. They observe how their parents interact with other people and react to what they see. This includes reacting to power struggles among the adults. Children see it and sometimes copy it on their own.
How to stop toddler power struggles?
When parents encounter power struggles between their toddlers, they want to resolve it without scolding their children. They set limits that are vital to their growth. For parents, you should manage the situation without ending in a big fight. Even if you strive to put the situation under control, remember to make your children feel respected.
The following include tips on managing toddler power struggles.
Enthuse toddlers about problem solving
Toddlers wonder why their parents reprimand them about fighting with their siblings. Hence, parents encourage their children to resolve problems together. They learn about each other’s side of the story and try to find a solution for the problem.
Remember to talk with your kids about certain things. If you disagree with them at first, try to find another solution. Raising your voice to toddlers won’t resolve anything and, in turn, toddlers will fear you.
Give them options to choose from
Toddlers reach a phase in their lives where they begin making choices, especially if they begin discovering themselves. This phase shocks them and may overwhelm them when they learn about the other things they are capable of doing. During this exploration stage, they experiment with different things, especially with what they are capable of doing. When they learn how to clap or use their hands as a musical instrument, they try to clap or bang the table. Consequently, parents get annoyed and try to pacify them by telling them blatantly that they need to stop doing it. Some toddlers tease their parents and continue exploring the new skill they discovered.
One of the things a parent can do to prevent power struggles is present different choices the toddler may choose from. Before presenting these options, remember these:
- Present only two (2) options. When parents give them more than two, this confuses them and makes···· them feel overwhelmed with the decision they need to make.
- Remember child-friendly options. Parents think that any option may be a good substitute, however, these are toddlers, so pick options that are suitable to them.
- Choose the situation to present these options. Not every situation at hand needs options for toddlers to choose from. There are times that parents need to pick for the toddlers.
Distinguish and identify the toddler as a different person
Some parents identify their children as miniature versions of themselves. Primarily, toddlers aren’t controllable like toys and can’t be turned on and off. When parents raise their children, they see themselves but they’re completely unique from each other.
When it comes to eating, toddlers prefer different kinds of food than their parents. Just as when dealing with other toddlers or choosing their toys. When you talk to your toddlers, remember the choice of words and tone you use. Avoid using words you use to talk with adults like your spouse, friends, or strangers. Your toddler grasps whatever you do.
Have some time out
For some instances, parents fail to resolve conflict easily. It all ends up with a time out. A time out doesn’t always mean just letting things be. This is a time that they calm themselves down before talking to each other again.
Try taking the perspective from a toddler’s shoes
When toddlers throw tantrums, sometimes it means that they want to be noticed or taken seriously by their parents. When parents raise their voices with toddlers, they don’t notice how much this changes the toddlers’ perspective about their parents.
Parents need to think about how their toddlers are feeling and look at things through their toddlers’ eyes. When you look through things from their perspective, it makes them feel that you listen to and understand them. This prevents power struggles as you communicate with them properly.
Imagine Nation Learning Center shares other ways to discipline a toddler without resulting in stress for their parents. Parents try various ways to resolve power struggles with their toddlers in order to live harmoniously. When you need a preschool for your toddlers to develop their mental and social skills, consult with Imagine Nation Learning Center and learn about their programs.
