my daughter will get frustrated with things like not being able to open something or when i tell her not to touch the buttons on the tv just for a few examples. do you have any ideas on how i can help her with her frustration.
2007-05-09 10:10:58 · 7 answers · asked by Jess 2 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Toddler & Preschooler
Instead of just saying no, distract her with something else Perhaps something she can manipulate- a play remote, telephone, a drawer or door that she is allowed to move. She is trying to learn. Keep her stimulated, but protected from the things that can hurt her.
Enjoy watching her mind at work!
2007-05-09 10:14:46 · answer #1 · answered by njspanteach 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
This is a very common problem with kids at this age, and lasts for a while. My daughter is 20 months old, and I know what you mean. She will get so frustrated trying to do something and just growl and grunt! There was actually a good article on babycenter.com about it. They said to basically let them get frustrated, to some degree, as they are learning to manipulate objects and work it out. Don't do everything for them.
Now, as for telling her "NO" and her getting frustrated, you have to do the "stop and redirect" method. So, you say "NO" but then you take her out of the situation and give her something she CAN have and likes. So, take her away from the TV, and sit her down with a book or a doll or something and say "Here, let's play with this instead." It usually works. If it doesn't, and she's still having a temper tantrum, you have to just ignore it.
My daughter got addicted to watching playhouse disney videos on the computer for a while, and I had to just turn off the computer for about a month and tell her it was broken. She would stand at the computer and say "puter? puter?" and I would say "No, honey, it's broken" and it took about a month, but she finally gave up. Sometimes she would cry and have a fit, and I'd just try to distract her with something else.
2007-05-09 10:16:26 · answer #2 · answered by purplebinky 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You can't let her play with some things (like the TV, the stove, etc), but you can give her as many choices and some autonomy in other situations - it really helps. Make sure there is a cabinet/drawer or two that she CAN open. If she’s reaching for the buttons on the remote, tell her “you can’t push those buttons, but you CAN push these buttons” and hand her an old cell phone or something. Certain things, like touching the stove, you definitely don't want to sweetly redirect your daughter, you just have to reserve a stern "No touch!" for those situations.
As she gets just a bit older, she can help pick out groceries (which bananas?) and decide what’s for dinner (carrots or peas?). If she’s walking well (and in the upcoming months), take her to the mall and let HER decide which store to go in, which way to walk, etc.
She’s only going to get more and more independent & stubborn – I find these things to help my son feel more in charge of his life and more accepting of my authority and the things he’s not allowed to touch.
2007-05-09 10:39:10 · answer #3 · answered by eli_star 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think that's just something they go through. They get frustrated or mad because Mommy/Daddy says no, or makes them try to do things (like opening something) on their own. For the first (can't do something), they are just frustrated that they can't. That's all. Once you teach them what to do, and when you praise them for doing a good job it may calm them down when they get stuck again. For the second, wouldn't you be mad, too if someone told you no? They have to get used to hearing 'No', and getting things taken away that they shouldn't play with. Good luck!
2007-05-09 10:16:34 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
When you tell her not to touch something that isn't "frustration" that is a tantrum, she wants your attention and she wants her own way. The best thing to do in that situation is to ignore her tantrums and if she keeps up put her in time out. Get to her level explain to her WHY she has to go to time out, leave her there for about a minute, then get to her level again, explain to her WHY she was in time out and tell her she will go back if she continues to act up.
When she gets frustrated with not being able to do something (I remember the first time my daughter dressed herself), leve her be. This is something SHE has to work through for herself. Just watch to make sure she doesn't do something harmful to herself but allow her to work through the problem.
2007-05-09 10:17:20 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
Redirection is key, get their mind off of things that they shouldn't be playing with. As for things that she can't do on her own, help her as much as she will let you and eventually she will get the hang of it. The best thing ever is watching your baby perform a task for the first time! Let her know how great you think she is by clapping, cheering or telling her good job. She will love the attention and approval.
2007-05-09 10:18:57 · answer #6 · answered by mandy s 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Frustration is part of life. It inspires us to strive harder and be proud of our accomplishments.
Understand her frustration, but don't give in. Take a deep breath and practice patience.
2007-05-09 10:55:04 · answer #7 · answered by KC 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋