At this age, your child may be showing more interest in playing games, especially ones that seem repetitive. He/she is more interested in other children but the concept of sharing is only just developing. The ability to feed or dress him/herself is increasing, and he/she is starting to let you know their likes and dislikes. A sense of independence is developing and you may start hearing the words ‘I can do it myself’!
The Parent-Child Relationship
Children can have a range of feelings and emotions in a short space of time and don’t fully understand what they are feeling, (the younger the child, the harder it is for them to know their feelings). Your child’s self-awareness and independence and ability to control their environment is easily threatened. They may not have the words yet to express their feelings and needs and get frustrated or even angry. Parents that recognise and empathise with their child’s experience can help their child to contain their emotions and impulses.
Setting limits and boundaries
Children need clear messages about which behaviours are acceptable and which are not. When discussing house rules with your child talk about what you want them to do rather than focusing on what not to be doing. Examples: ‘Walk in the house, use a nice quiet speaking voice’, instead of ‘Do not run, do not shout’!
When giving Instructions and choices,offer two good options for example the blue or the green toy. This promotes a win-win situation for your child who feels good about making a decision and helps to increase their self-esteem and sense of self-worth. Gainthe child’s attention using eye contact (this may mean getting down closer to their level), remain calm, using gentle firmness and providing clear simple instructions. For example `I would like you to take your shoes off now please’.
How to manage expectations
- With very young children or those unable to talk yet, parents have a more difficult task and need to try to discover such feelings by watching for facial expressions and learning their different cries.
- If a parent is reasonable in what to expect of their child and remain calm, using gentle firmness and providing clear instructions their child is more likely to be cooperative.
- Parents need to set clear limits to keep their child safe and help them feel secure but parents also need to provide guidance to help their child maintain those limits.
Challenging moments
- Try to understand your child in terms of what your child is feeling and thinking, not in terms of what he/she is doing. Your child’s emotions can be intense from being over excited to feelings of anger or disappointment. Negative emotions such as anger or disappointment are real and painful for your child.
- By responding in a timely fashion with empathy, attention to needs, a hug or a change of activity, the parent helps their child to regulate such emotions. When your child feels heard and understood, in time your child will learn to manage difficult moments on their own.
- Children need to explore within a safe environment. Parents need to view the environment and make changes to ensure it is safe for example locking cupboards that store poisonous liquids. The parent can be more relaxed when their child has a safe area to explore.
- Change your child’s world rather than trying to change the child. To help your child feel special and loved, show them affection and tell them often. This will help your child develop a healthy self-esteem and the confidence to explore and attempt new skills.
Promote Positive Behaviours
Predictable routines: Creating a predictable and organised home environment helps your child feel secure.
Modelling desired behaviour: Children are natural copycats and learn by copying behaviour. Children learn how to interact with other people and develop their social skills by watching their parents interact with each other and other people.
Descriptive praise: The key to encouraging desirable behaviour is to give children lots of positive attention and praise when they are behaving appropriately. Parents that describe what they see, hear and feel enables their child to understand what their parent is praising. For example `I liked the way you were quietly playing when mummy was talking on the phone.
All strategies have their limitations and no single strategy will work every time.
TOP TIP
The best reward is the parent’s attention and descriptive praise.
