How to raise an independent toddler ?

Not recently that I noticed my son stepping up for each and every thing mentioning that ‘i want to’ . Though he hasn’t started speaking fluently, the gibberish babble of saying and showing that he wants to do it by himself gave me a lot of thoughts.

Wanting to do everything what the adults do , including disciplining the sibling the way we do made me look at him in awe. Kids these days keep looking at you every second I say.

The desire to be independent is something that I found so adorable and at the same time exhausting as I was losing my cool very often. Though I do understand that it is our duty to raise self sufficient adults like we are.

At the same time it feels kind of scary when they take risks which I feel they are not ready yet. The mother instinct in me, one time wanted to let him try and on the other end getting tensed that don’t let him.

As a result, it did make the day longer and I knew that folding a cloth would now take ten minutes or even putting away the plate after eating.

The child’s independence is letting go of the stage in childhood. That is where realisation kicks in hard saying that they’re growing up and then there is. No going back.

So how do you encourage your toddler to be independent

Not holding them back

You always begin where you tend to hold them back, embrace their decision to do things on their own. Guide and coach then but do not hold them back and tell them there is a time to learn doing this.

This could start with them wearing shoes. Though it takes forever, I don’t think you should hurry up here. Your hands might itch to get there and get it done, but stay back and let them do it.

Show them, do together, monitor and leave them alone

Them wanting to do a task above comfort level can be scary. But what do you do when they insist on doing it.

Think whether it is age appropriate. Start by showing how it is done, proceed to doing it with them together, go ahead with monitoring when they do and help them if they get stuck and lastly let them try it alone.

You can start this by making them prepare their snack , making their bed or folding clothes.

Though the process is time consuming the end result it gives is your child being independent. It all starts with the kid watching when you do it and ends with them doing it on their own without needing your help.

Letting them do things their way

Micro management is something that nobody likes not even your toddler . You should not only embrace their decision to do things on their own but also do it in their own way.

All of us are different people in having our thinking process and our own preferences. Give them the freedom to do things their way rather than having them copy our style.

Do not help them in their struggle

Any mom doesn’t like their kid struggling. Nobody likes to see the disappointed look on their face it the anger that’s going to be building up after the failure.

When you attempt to help them it is going to be harmful for them in future. They come to a conclusion that we think they aren’t cut out for the tasks. They have the easy way to sense our doubts instead of our support in them.

In fact they wil learn much more when they fail than they learn when we step in and help them out. They also get the message that it’s okay to give up when something gets hard.

Nurture their independence letting them struggle. They will see the obstacles as challenges and find ways to come out of it.

Accomodating their independence

Having my daughter express her wish to help me in kitchen wasn’t the most efficient use of time. I realised that rather than being grateful that I’m having help ,I was more tensed if I will be able to finish cooking within the time.

But instead of saying no, I made a change. Rather than hurrying up the process , I made sure I had enough time before dinner preparation so that she could chip in and help me out.

In this way it can make them work on their own pace and keep us free from feeling the rush. You can also try this if they want to dress up themselves or pack their own lunch boxes.

We can avoid power struggles by not butt heading with them, during our routines and instead take into account their need for extra time they need to practice to do things on their own and in their own way.

#BlogchatterA2Z X what to and what not to teach your toddler

Hello there!!. Hope your day is going on well. Today is the day we would have to take a look at traits in X. But since X doesn’t have any direct words I chose to use traits starting with eX.

What to teach

Experimentalist – A person is termed as an experimentalist when they are keen on conducting experiments. They seek results achieved through their experiments far superior than theory. They are people who would love to try out new things.

Expressionist – A person is termed as an Expressionist when they chose to express their inner emotion in the form of art instead of external reality. This particular art could be any way of expressing their inner emotion. It could be music painting or anything that is peculiar to that person.

Extemporal – A person is termed to be extemporal when they do or say something spontaneously. It’s something like an impromptu.

Exuberant – A person is termed to be exuberant when they are full of energy. Such people burst with enthusiasm and keep great company. They are always welcome in a gathering.

Exultant – A person is said to be exhibiting exultant emotions when it’s a moment of pride combined with joy and enthusiasm. The person exhibits high-level of enthusiasm on accomplishment of triumphant victory.

Expert – A person is termed to be an expert when they are well-versed in a particular field. They have a high level of knowledge in the particular field.

Exhibitive – A person is said to be exhibitive when they are capable of expressing their talents. They are capable of demonstrating or illustrating what they know of.

Exemplary – A person is termed to be exemplary when they are the highest level that can be thought of as role model. They stand as a positive form of example. They could be ideal role models who can be imitated.

What not to teach

Exaggerative – A person is said to be exaggerative when they maximise the intensity of a normal occurrence of an event. Sometimes it’s make the narration unbelievable or too good to be true kind.

I could not think of more negative traits in ex. Please do feel free to let me know through comments I had missed any and you would like me to add it up. See you all tomorrow with traits in Y.

#BlogchatterA2Z W what to and what not to teach your toddler

Happy Monday folks. Hope you enjoyed your Sunday break. With just few more days for this challenge to end I’m really liking the spirit, that makes me want to complete it. Let’s take a look at the traits in W for today.

What to teach

Warm-hearted – A person is termed to be warm hearted when they are sympathetic. They are kind and friendly too. Their behaviour creates a trust and bonding through reciprocation.

Welcoming – A person is termed to be welcoming when they are friendly and polite. This behaviour is exhibited towards guests or new person known to them . It makes the receiving person happy and makes them feel accepted.

Willing – A person is said to express their willingness when they are ready to do something. They are very eager to get the task accomplished. Such people are eager to help and do not think of any consequences.

Wise – A person is termed to be wise when they exhibit good knowledge and judgement. This is more prominent as people age. They are always sought when we need solid advice .

Well groomed – A person is termed to be well-groomed when they are neat and tidily dressed. They are usually expected by others. Such people are always welcome to gatherings.

Watchful – A person is termed to be watchful when they are usually alert or vigilant. Such people usually have a close watch around the surrounding happenings. Such people are usually attentive to details.

What not to teach

Wayward – A person is termed to be wayward when they are disobedient. Such people are difficult to control due to their behaviour . They are headstrong and misbehave in an unpredictable manner.

Wooden headed – A person is termed to be wooden headed when they act by lacking intellect. They act in a weird stupid manner.

Withdrawn – A person is termed to be withdrawn when they do not wish to communicate with others. Such people do not prefer company. This behaviour usually arises when people are sad and dejected.

Wishy washy– Usually a term given to a person when cannot make up their mind. They do not stay with one decision. Their decisions are not firm and clear since they keep changing.

#BlogchatterA2Z V what to and what not to teach your toddler

We’re down to the weekend break after today. Let’s get to know the traits in V that we should be and what we shouldn’t be teaching our toddlers.

What to teach

Valiant – A person is termed to being valiant when they possess or exhibit courage. They are usually brave and determined when it comes to difficult situations.

Vivacious – A person is termed to be vivacious when they are lively which makes them attractive. They are naturally fun to be around and keep the surrounding environment alive. This is especially suited to the female gender.

Valuable – A person is termed to be valuable when they are good contributers. The knowledge and skills they possess determines their worth.

Virtuous – A person who exhibits high moral standards is termed to be virtuous. Exhibiting this trait helps in promoting individual greatness.

Venturesome – A person is termed to be venturesome when are willing to take risks at difficult circumstances. Such people are daring to try out risky decisions to solve problems.

Versatile – A person is termed to be versatile when they are capable of adapting to many situations. Usually referred to as the versatility, this is a much needed trait to be possessed during modern times.

Vigilant – A person is termed to be vigilant when they have a careful watch about dangerous situations. They make decisions easily and are capable of taking care of themselves.

Visionary – A person is termed to be a visionary when they think ahead and make plans about future . They are always ready with the big picture for the future.

What not to teach

Vengeful – A person is termed the be vengeful when they want to take revenge. Their thoughts and actions are always towards planning for a revenge.

Violent – A person is termed to be violent when they involve themselves into physical force. Such people use their force to control the situation.

Vulnerable – A person is termed to be vulnerable when they could be easily hurt. The hurt could either be physical or emotional. They can be easily influenced. This is usually termed to be a weakness.

Enjoy your weekend break and see you all again on Monday with traits from W. Happy Sunday.

#BlogchatterA2Z U what to and what not to teach your toddler

U being a very important letter in the alphabet has a lot of negative traits that I know of than positive traits. So let’s discuss what to and what not to.

What to teach

Understanding – A person is termed to be understanding when they are capable of being aware of others feelings in a sympathetic way. It takes an open heart to understand what others feel.

Upright – A person is termed to be upright if they are honest in what they express. Such people have high moral standards and express what is right and do what they say.

Upstanding – A person is said to be upstanding when they are trustworthy and honourable. They behave in a good and a moral way. They have a high reputation for being honest. They are straightforward in what they express.

What not to teach – This by far is almost negative terms of the traits which we saw in the other alphabets we have discussed till now.

Unsympathetic – A person who shows no sympathy or does not care about others feelings.

Unsystematic – A person who is not organised and does not do things accordingly. They do not follow the guidelines and do things as they please.

Untrustworthy – A person who is not capable of being trusted . They do not keep up their words and are usually betraying.

Undependable – A person upon whom we cannot rely on. A person who cannot be depended upon or doesn’t keep up to his/her words.

Unfriendly – A person who is not easily approachable or someone whom we cannot seek help easily from. They are usually rigid in their behaviour.

Unapologetic – A person is termed as unapologetic when they do not regret or acknowledge. Whatever be the circumstances or situation such people do not care about.

Ungrateful – A person who doesn’t express gratitude and acknowledge. Such people are never welcome. They are usually prone to criticism for their actions.

Do let me know if you would like me to add anything more.

#BlogchatterA2Z T what to and what not to teach your toddler

T being the 20th alphabet has traits from being thankful and tolerant to being timid and tough to handle. No matter what they learn on their own some practices must begin being taught at home. Let’s take a look at what to and what not to teach in T.

What to teach

Thankful – A person when termed thankful is being genuine to express gratitude. It’s an expression of being pleased and relieved. It is a positive trait and could be practiced at home starting from being thankful for the little things around us.

Thoughtful – A person is termed as being thoughtful when they are considerate about others. It could be like caring for the welfare or offering to help others. Such people make the world a better place to live.

Tolerant – A person is termed to being tolerant when they accept people who are different from them and adjust to situations where they aren’t comfortable. They are usually broadminded. They show strength that they can live with other people’s differences and perspectives.

Trustworthy – A person is termed to be trustworthy when they could be relied upon and are honest. They are responsible and say only what they are capable of doing. It is the most important trait that helps in building strong relationships.

Tactful – A person who owns skills and strengths to handle and make decisions. They are sensitive and not rude. They criticise without hurting the other person. They put forward their thoughts in such a way that they empathic others.

What not to teach

Timid – Being timid is when a person is shy to express their thoughts. They usually lack the courage and confidence to express. It is very easy to get them frightened. Such people have low self esteem and feel inferior.

Tyrannical– A person is termed to be tyrannical when they control and exercise their power in a cruel way. Being tyrannical- is evil and not a good behaviour.

Troublesome – A person is termed to be troublesome when they cause annoyance or being disliked by others. They usually cause problems or difficulties for others.

Trickster – A person is termed trickster when they cheat or deceive people. They play tricks and usually exhibit rule breaking. They are clever and get what they want usually.

Tameless – A person who cannot be tamed and are usually arrogant. They cannot be controlled and usually do not listen when being adviced or given opinions.

Do let me know if you have any more traits in mind please feel free to include in comments. See you tomorrow with traits in U.

#BlogchatterA2Z S what to and what not to teach your toddler

S , the alphabet has a lot of positive and negative traits. Starting from being sensible to smart we have a lot of qualities that could be imbibed in our children.

What to teach

Sincerity – A person is termed to be sincere when they express genuinely what they feel or believe. It comes from within their heart without any expectations for reward. This trait is beneficial since it makes one trustworthy.

Smart – A person who exhibits quick witty intelligence and also who is clean and tidy. They realise that each of their action has a consequence and act accordingly. They are known for making good decisions consistently.

Self-assertion – A person is termed to be self-assertive of they can express themselves confidently. They firmly say out their opinions and demand what they believe they should get. Such people are honest, direct and positive.

Sensible – A person is termed to be sensible when they act or think practically. They are usually level-headed and calm. They are known for making good judgement.

Social- minded – A person is termed to be social-minded when they are actively interested in welfare of the society. They are always concerned about the well-being of the society.

Systematic – A person is termed to be systematic when they follow a fixed plan or act accordingly to a method. Such people are disciplined and usually optimistic.

Sympathetic – A person who feels or shows care towards other human beings. They are very much likeable by others.

What not to teach

Suppressive – A person is termed be of suppressive nature when they deny or control expression of other people’s desire. Such people express dominance in their actions.

Smart mouthed – A person is termed smart mouthed when they show very little respect when talking to others. They are usually sarcastic on the way they express.

Self centered– A person is termed to be self-centred when they’re concerned only about their own welfare. They are usually preoccupied with their own needs. They exhibit very little empathy towards others.

Screwball– A person who is crazy and eccentric is termed a screwball. They act very silly and absurd.

Scatterbrained – A person is termed to being scatterbrained when they lack organised approach and concentration. They are usually forgetful and fail to think clearly.

Short tempered – A person is termed to be short-tempered when they lose their cool quickly. They are ill-tempered and get angry very easily. They often lose their temper on things which aren’t even reasonable.

Sluggard – A person is termed to be a sluggard if they are too slow to move and work. They enjoy relaxing and sleeping rather than to work. They are usually inactive and do not accept any responsibility.

As always do let me know if you’d like to add more to my list. See you tomorrow with traits from T.

#BlogchatterA2Z R what to and what not to teach your toddler

Happy morning Folks. R is the eighteenth alphabet which means we still have a few more days to finish this exciting contest. Traits in R range from reliable to respectable. Let’s take a look at what to and what not to teach.

What to teach

Reliable – A person is termed reliable when they’re good in work quality consistently. They’re trustworthy and well behaved. They can be completely dependable and capable of being trusted.

Respectful – A person is termed respectful when they earn the admiration for the way they behave. They keep calm, listen well ,help others and don’t make any excuses.

Responsible – A person who consciously makes decisions, and are willing to accept consequences of their actions are termed responsible. It makes their life much better and helps in boosting self-esteem.

Relaxed– A person is termed relaxed when they’re free from anxiety. Such people are known to be happier and confident. They’re stress free and lead a calm and serene lifestyle.

Realist – A person is termed a realist when they accept situations as it is. They deal with challenges practically. This helps them tackle emergency situations and be independent.

What not to teach

Restless – A person is termed to have restless behaviour when they are anxious or bored. They exhibit uneasiness in remaining relaxed. Such people lack concentration.

Rambunctious – This could mean the person is uncontrollable and boisterous as I described in B. They are very noisy and really hard to control.

Revengeful – A person is termed revengeful when they are very eager to take revenge. They are usually stressed and keep thinking of plotting revenge. They cannot concentrate on anything else rather than taking revenge.

Rude – A person is termed to be rude when they are bad mannered. They are usually hurtful and not known to be polite. They are usually frustrated which asked them react in such a way.

That’s all for the traits in R, feel free to add any left in comments. See you tomorrow.

#BlogchatterA2Z Q what to and what not to teach your toddler

Happy Monday folks. Let’s start this week with positive vibes and spread them across. Q as an alphabet has very few words, so let’s take a look at the traits Q has.

What to teach

Qualified – A person is termed as qualified when they are identified or recognised to be trained for a particular job. It means they got the particular position and are eligible.

Quiet – A person is termed quiet when they are calm or silent. It’s a positive trait that would be loved by all. Their silence would make other people talk a lot and reveal more about themselves which is an advantage.

What not to teach

Quarrelsome – A person is termed quarrelsome if they’re quick to pick up a fight or an argument. This should be corrected at early ages to avoid future troubles.

Quick tempered – A person is quick tempered when they’re easily made to get angry. They can’t stand anything and shoot up with anger. Their tolerance is pretty low that makes them react that way.

Quitter – A person is termed a quitter if they give up very easily. Such people have very less confidence and need to be motivated frequently.

My post for today is really short. I could think of only these qualities and sonic you do find anymore that you feel I should add please feel free to comment.

#BlogchatterA2Z P what to and what not to teach your toddler

Hello there people we’re almost there and this is the end of third week before we head for the Sunday break. Make sure you spend it wise and gear up for a new start next week. Let’s take a look at the traits in P.

What to teach

Patient – A person is termed as patient who accepts or tolerates delay. They are not easily annoyed or anxious. They remain calm.and bear any provocation.

Persistent – A person who continues firmly with an option or an action. They are determined to achieve their goals without any motivation. It gives them a lot of hope. Such people refuse to give up easily.

Punctual – A person is termed to be punctual when they perform things at agreed or proper time. Such people complete tasks before or at the appropriate time. It leads to a lot of achievement. Such people are well respected and are welcomed. It makes them reliable and a trustworthy person.

Passionate – A person is termed passionate when they have strong beliefs. They are more dedicated and strongly inclined towards what they want to pursue.

Persevering – A person is termed to be persevering if they continue with their action inspite of the delay or difficulty in achieving. They keep trying against all odds and obstacles. Such people are determined and are sure to succeed in whatever they do.

Practical – A person is termed to be practical of they are very much concerned about the actual execution rather than believing in theoretical approach. They take decisions based on logic rather than emotions.

What not to teach

Peevish – A person is termed as peevish when they are ill-tempered. They exhibit annoyance or bad mood very often.

Pernicious – A person is termed pernicious when their actions cause harm or hurt.

Pessimistic – A person is termed pessimistic when they always expect the worst turn over of events. They believe that bad things are more likely to happen.

Presumptuous– A person is termed presumptuous when act rudely due to over confidence. They are known to exhibit less respect by doing things they aren’t supposed to.

Let’s take a break tomorrow and see you all on Monday.