By Shannon Trouse, FNP at Dr. W. Lloyd Hudson’s office
Does your toddler have a case of the terrible two’s?
Toddler years are a wonderful, fun time with so many milestones to enjoy. Toddler years also bring the emergence of an independent little person with his own thoughts, ideas, and big boy opinions. Toddler years are a time to slow down and let your world shrink a little. Slow your pace, lower your expectations, and enjoy yourself.
Current medical research educates that the increasingly technological environment of toddlers is not to their benefit. The American Academy of Pediatrics mandates “No TV Before Two Years”. This includes all types of screentime. There has been a definite link between screen time and the development of ADD/ADHD when the child is exposed under two years of age. After two years, the daily allotment of screen time is one hour.
What do toddlers need to behave well? Sleep. The average toddler needs 12 hours of sleep per day. Keep your child’s naptime in place long after he has quit napping. Let the nap morph into “quiet time” and make it a daily schedule. Your little one may cry and not have a high opinion of you but a daily quiet time reaps too many benefits to be negated.
The mind of a toddler races. His body races all day to try and keep pace with his mind. A quiet time allows both to calm down. Behavior after quiet time is more focused and less likely to get into trouble.
A daily schedule is a must. Many toddler meltdowns are simply from plans changing. While this is unavoidable on some occasions, the child’s general day needs to have a set plan.
Toddlers need to eat three meals a day and two snacks. One of the most common reasons for bad behavior is hunger. Do not ask your child if they are hungry. You will usually get a petulant “no” and some bad behavior for your consideration. Make it part of your schedule to put a snack or meal in front of your child every 2-3 hours. Then, if the behavior tanks, you at least know it is not from a lack of calories and low blood sugar.
There is an excellent tool for moms to use for getting the best out of their toddlers. It is called “set them up for success”. It simply means that , to the best of your ability, construct your child’s environment and activities to achieve the best results. Practical application of this principle would include these examples: Do not go to the grocery store during times when your child is tired or hungry. Do not plan a playdate for 3pm if that is when your child’s quiet time normally is. Do not leave breakable objects on low shelves that your child will hear “no” all day for touching.
These may seem constraining to some but remember that this is age related. All of this improves with time. The errand running capacity of a two year old is generally one or two errands. When your little one is four, the two of you may be out and about most of the day. Toddler capabilities expand as they grow. It is frustrating but many toddler misbehavior s occur because the child is just not developmentally ready yet to handle what is being asked of him.
Where does discipline fit in here? We will discuss that one next month!
Shannon Trouse, FNP for Dr. W. Lloyd Hudson’s office
5652 Veterans Pkwy Columbus, GA 31904
Now accepting new patients
Call 706-322-7351 to make an appointment.
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