Being a mom is the greatest privilege I love. Time flies so fast. The little one I used to cuddle one is now a very active toddler. I know it’s exhausting since she enjoys exploring the world, but her hugs, kisses and not so clear words of love inspires me to give her the best parenting. I admit I am not yet an expert in giving parenting tips since I am a first time mom to a toddler, but I hope these simple parenting tips I learned through time and shared by other moms I know will help you too.
- Show Her Your Love By Giving Her Time
As a working mom, it is very important for me to spend quality time with my toddler. Whether I have rush reports or I have to meet deadlines, I make sure that I will go home early to let my daughter know that she still has a mom who love her so much. I used to be a career woman, but when I became a mom, everything changed. I know more than anything else, it is my family that I should prioritize.
Giving her the time does not mean I am physically present but not attached to her. Giving her the time means I have to take care of her, read her books, play with her, cuddle her and feed her.
- Action Speaks Louder Than Words
Parents need to set a good example since their kids always watch his parents closely and learn from them. Doing it yourself is the best way of showing your toddler the correct way to behave. For my little toddler, I am overwhelmed whenever she repeats the word “opo” when I say it to my mom. I and her dad shows her how we love each other so she will know how to love also. Through simple things such as sharing, giving kindness and respect, our little ones will learn from us.
- Positive Reinforcement
I witness some parents who successfully raised their children as disciplined individuals. I have observed that positive reinforcement works far better than punishment. My father is a disciplinarian but that made me to follow him because I am afraid. For my little girl I want her to follow what is right not because she is afraid of the punishment, but because she know what is right. I want to reward and praise her for doing something right rather than focusing on those things that irritate me.
Of course in disciplining my little toddler, I have to ensure also that I will set rules that are simple, easy to understand and consistent.
- Toddler Tantrums
I have noticed that my little toddler is starting to throw tantrums whenever she wants something or when she can’t do what she wants to do. Since my heart melts whenever she cries, what I do is divert her from her original intention to another alternative. Since she is on her stage of exploring and learning, the easiest way to stop her tantrums is giving her something she can play with and learn on.
- Child-Proofing Home
Since my little toddler started to walk, she began exploring the world and never stops running around the house, climbing on furniture and putting on her mouth everything. To prevent her from being hurt, I make sure that we childproof our home by blocking off stairs so she can’t climb and fall down, bought safety plug covers for electrical outlets, keeping sharp objects, medicines, poisons and household cleaners out of reach and keeping away toys that might cause her choking hazards.
- Stimulate Toddler’s Development
As parent, I want my little one to grow at her best. I want her to develop self-esteem and self-confidence even at her young age by developing and discovering her special skills. To be able to do this, I guide and support her in everything that she does. I read to her daily, have her practice naming body parts, give her educational toys and encourage her to pretend play or dress-up. It is important at this age to give her the right toys that will help her stimulate her mental, social and motor skills.
This is my share to Mommy Moments Parenting Tips
