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 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 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 J what to and what not to teach your toddler

Time flies so fast, we’re already into J and the last post for this week before we take a break on Sunday. So are we ready to know the traits in J.

What to teach

Judicious – A person is termed to be of judicious character when they are shown to have a good judgement sense. They are people who have a balanced view and a common sense.

Jovial – A person who is cheerful and friendly. They are known to bring positive energy into surrounding and bring about happiness.

Jim dandy – We could raise kids to be a Jim dandy which means an outstanding person. A person who is admirable and fine.

Jack of all trades – A person is termed jack of all trades if they’re well versed in quite a number of fields. They could also be termed to be versatile.

Joyful – A person is termed as being joyful if they feel or express great happiness. The person bubbles with happiness which makes other get into the mood as well.

What not to teach

Jackleg – A person is termed a jackleg when they’re untrained or amateurs. The person is usually characterised as impotent and dishonest. They lack professional standards and are often criticised for a bag quality job done.

Jaded – A person terms jaded when they lack enthusiasm due to too much of something that is already done. This doesn’t keep the others interested so they often turn the attempts down.

Jealousy – would mean showing enviousness. Often by attempts of someone else’s accomplishments. This often brings a lot of negativity and is not a good trait. This would trigger anger and would lead to further bad actions.

Jive turkey – A person is termed as a jive turkey when they make false promises or too much exaggeration that leads to them being dishonest or unbelievable.

If there are any traits that you would like me to include I’d be happy to if you could share them in comments.

We would meet again next week to know more of traits that we want them to learn and practice and some of which we don’t want them to. Until then take good rest and enjoy the lockdown by spending time with family or reviving your long lost interests.

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

Let’s learn about what and what not to teach your toddler’s in the letter I.

What to teach

Idealist – A person who envisions an ideal world rather than the real world. Though they might sound impractical, they strive hard to attain the perfection to make the world a better place. It can make you pursue the best way rather than the real way to achieve the goal.

Imaginative – is a person who shows creativeness and inventive. A person who has an ability to develop a unique solution to a problem. Such people come up with good stories or songs.

Impartial – A person who is impartial treats everyone equally. They give a fairly equal solution rather than taking sides.

Ingenious – A person who is clever and intelligent. It cannot be deemed as higher level of intelligence but termed as clever. These people show an unusual aptitude for discovering.

Irritable – A person is termed irritable when their temper is easily disturbed. They can be easily annoyed or made angry.

Irresponsible – A person is termed irresponsible when he/ she does not show any sign of being responsible. They always forget to do what I is entrusted upon them .

Insecure – A person who is insecure would mean that someone who is not confident . They would not feel good about themselves and would rather feel sorry when others look at them.

Impatient– People who are impatient have the tendency to be easily annoyed and disturbed. They usually cannot tolerate any delay .

Let’s meet again tomorrow for a new set of traits.