It seems that no matter the situation, my 2.5 year old has a contrary opinion or idea. Wether it's what to wear, what to eat, which book to read - why does everything have to be a challange and why does it have to be a fight - and how do I know when to give in and when to stand firm?
2006-08-16 11:32:44 · 10 answers · asked by theprincesskgb 2 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Toddler & Preschooler
Negativity is part and parcel of the toddler world and it can be SO annoying.
Pick your battles and win the battles that you pick. You know in your gut what is a big deal (crossing the street, hitting, yelling at you, perhaps) and what isn't (wearing the same shirt five days in a row, for example). You can't fight them on everything, but decide which battles you are going to win and then win them decisively.
Your authority is what's at stake, so if you do decide to make a big deal out of something, win. Right now your child is deciding if you are a boss worth respecting!
2006-08-16 11:56:00 · answer #1 · answered by Amie 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Each person goes through learning stages throughout their lives, for a child at 2.5 years old is nowhere near an age to make judgement calls. As a retired preschool teacher I have been in a position to deal with many young parents. And this is the advise and guidelines I have given them:
From Birth to 7 years old: Infant
Your child will need you to make all decisions for them.
From 7 years & one day to 14 years: Pre-teen
Your child will practice the decisions you have made for them.
From 14 years & one day to 18 years: Teenager
Your child will decide which decisions work best for them.
From 18 years & one day to 25 years: Young Adult
Your child will live the rest of their Adult lives with the decisions you made for them and they chose to kept as an Adult.
Good luck in the journey of raising an Adult.
2006-08-16 12:25:30 · answer #2 · answered by Susan S 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Based on your examples (clothes, food, books) let the kid win. If they're dressed appropriately for the weather, let it go. If they eat what you put in front of them (at least something) let it go. Definitely let them choose their own books, they should be enjoying reading. My daughter likes to get two books at once and look at one while I read her the other. LOL
It's time to stand your ground when the child's safety is at risk, they are being disrespectful, etc. It's not about winning the argument. You look pretty stupid arguing with a toddler.
2006-08-16 12:59:54 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Give him options with things when it doesn't matter (like which book to read) but stay firm on everything else (like how many books to read). The important thing is to be consistant. If he gets his way when he throws a tantrum (even on one occasion), then he will try that almost every time.
2006-08-16 11:48:38 · answer #4 · answered by city_savvy 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Where safety is concerned, there is no negotiating with a 2 year old. You are the boss and there has to be consequences for being a brat. Yes, I mean brat. That's what kids become when they are the boss. You can give them choices on dressing, etc. but not important issues.....)(
2006-08-16 11:50:32 · answer #5 · answered by MissKathleen 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
When it comes down to your child pushing you around, thats a time not to give in but on some things you can give them a choice. For example, lay out 2 outfits and ask your child which one it wants to wear but when it comes to bed-time or eating its vegetables your child shouldnt have a choice. If u let it start making those decisions now, its gonna tell you its dropping out of school in 8th grade.
2006-08-16 11:41:35 · answer #6 · answered by Ms.Kendall 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You have to stand firm on anything that might be dangerous. Maybe you could arrange to let him feel like he's making the decisions, when he's really not:
"What would you rather have for dinner, hot dogs or hamburgers?"
"Which shirt do you want to wear to school tomorrow, hon...the blue one, or that brown one?"
That sort of thing...
2006-08-16 11:40:33 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Toddlers are at an age where they are realizing they are seperate entities from mommy and daddy and they want to do it THEIR way. PERFECTLY normal. I have one girl (2) and one boy (3) and I stay at home with them, I KNOW your sentiments! My rule of thumb...if it's not gonna hurt 'em, join 'em. You can pick two or three books you don't mind reading, two or three lunches you don't mind making, and let him/her choose. You win because you're helping your toddler develop into an independent person who is capable of making decisions (not to mention a smoother day) and he/she wins because he/she actually did get to make a choice.
Hope this helps!
2006-08-17 02:55:45 · answer #8 · answered by mysonsablessing 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
you are the parent always stand firm,,if you don't the child will run over you more nad more as it gets older.
2006-08-16 12:42:03 · answer #9 · answered by zachary r 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Never give in and make sure he knows that you are the boss
2006-08-16 11:38:46 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋