Tips to Help Parents Enjoy the Toddler Years

by Sherry Frewerd

Everyone has heard the old saying 'the terrible twos.' However, many parents who have actually been through the toddler stage with their child look back and think to themselves 'that wasn't so bad after all.' It's sad to think that there are parents out there who dread or aren't enjoying life with their toddler.

How can a parent enjoy their child during the toddler years? Here are a few tips:

1. Just relax and have fun. If you have a busy schedule then clear some time for dedicated play with your toddler. There is no reason to feel guilty for spending a few hours playing with blocks or reading a good book together.

2. Model good character traits early. This is a very important age when a child begins to form the character they will have for the rest of their lives. This is the time to lay a foundation of good character, respect for others, and knowing right from wrong. Model patience, respect, and truthfulness. When your child gets angry that something didn't work out right, help them work through the anger. That can be hard for parents who are impatient themselves. But if you teach your child self control now they will be better prepared for the teen years and adulthood.

Discipline is a difficult topic, but a parent who disciplines a toddler in love, with patience, will have much less need to discipline the child when he or she is older. It is much easier to deal with disobedience when the child is two than when he is 15. However, make sure it is truly disobedience and not just part of his developmental stage. There is a big difference. The child who is willfully being defiant and going against his parent's wishes is not the same as the child who accidentally spills his milk or who starts crying because she didn't get enough sleep the night before. So be sure to take these things into consideration.

3. Take a break if you need one. If you are at home with your child or children all day and feel like you need a break, call in some help. Whether you hire a teenage babysitter to watch your children a few hours each week or have a friend or family member take the children for a while, give yourself a break. Being a stay-at-home parent is hard. Just about everyone has to ask someone to help out during these years. Giving yourself a few hours off each week will make you a better parent, too. You will find that it gives you more energy, more patience, and a better perspective in being a parent. Your children will be more precious to you after you have had a few hours to yourself.

The toddler years are a wonderful time. Parents who understand the developmental stage and who take care of themselves as well can truly enjoy their toddler. Toddlers are full of wonder and everything is an adventure to them. They think you are terrific and love to spend hours playing with you as you build with blocks or play games or cuddle together.

Take advantage of this time and be available. Relax, enjoy your child, and build many memories to think back on when your child is grown and you find yourself missing those sweet years.