Source: Unsplash
Nowadays is getting harder and harder to bond and connect with toddlers. Many parents face the same frustrations; hence we are here to give you some suggestions to help you bond and connect with your toddler.
Suggestions for bonding with the toddler
- Set aside time for the toddler.
A regular one-on-one time with the toddler.
For example, set aside an hour a week to do an activity that the toddler likes.
The toddler will feel connected with the parent and feel valued and accepted.
- Communicate positively with the toddler.
Acknowledge the toddler’s thinking and feelings even if disagree.
Share opinions and feelings with the toddler.
Say “I love you” to the toddler or kiss or hug the toddler.
Click here to read about "Toddler Development" and "How can Parents help".
- Solve problems with the toddler. When the toddler shares about problems,
Listen and understand the situation. Find out how the toddler thinks or feels about the situation and what the toddler can do.
Provide other options if have.
Help the toddler to think of possible consequences for each option.
Decide on the best solution together.
This teaches the toddler an important life skill and develops a strong bond with the toddler when conquering each problem
together.
- Praise the toddler when the toddler does something well or puts in the effort.
This affirms and allows the toddler to identify strengths.
Praise the toddler on specific behaviours in a sincere manner.
For example, the toddler cleans the room after playtime without being asked and it is very neat. This communicates to the toddler the positive behaviour which the parent appreciates. At the same time, the toddler feels confident and special to the parent.
Connecting with the toddler
The age of a toddler is between one to three years old.
The toddler:
- wants to be independent but fear being separated from the parent.
- has feelings but can’t always control or find the words to express.
If the parent can help the toddler with the above, the parent will have a great relationship with the toddler.
Help the Toddler Handles Separation Anxiety
Separation Anxiety is a normal part of the toddler’s development.
"Wondering how to help the toddler handle separation anxiety?" Click here to find out.
Help the toddler deal with frustration and strong emotions
Source: Unsplash
Suggestions to help:
- Teach Emotion Skills. If the toddler is getting frustrated, the calm parent will help to prevent the toddler’s emotions from escalating. The toddler feels better when the parent is in control. Help the toddler to put feelings into words, by teaching the toddler words or gestures that express feelings. For example, ‘You’re upset because you ripped your picture’.
- Respond to the toddler’s emotions.
Talk with the toddler.
Try getting down to the toddler’s level by sitting or squatting when talking with the toddler.
When the toddler is getting angry or frustrated, try distraction or redirecting the toddler into another activity.
For example, if the toddler is fighting with someone over a toy, gives the toddler some snacks.
When the toddler is throwing tantrums, the parent stays calm and does not give in to tantrums shows the toddler how to
deal with frustration. This influences the toddler’s behaviour and ability to control emotions.
- Support the toddler’s need for independence.
Click here to find out "how to support the toddler’s need for independence."
Using Play to Learn
Play with the toddler and follow the toddler’s lead by letting the toddler decide what games to play. If the toddler wants the parent to choose, encourage games that involve turn-taking and sharing.
Incorporates play into everyday routines.
For example, playing in the bath or singing a song while packing away toys.
Builds Brain Pathway
Give the toddler the chance to repeat favourite activities.
This helps the toddler’s brain build pathways that strengthen skills.
For example,
The toddler takes toys out of the box and puts the toys back after playing. This helps the toddler to develop motor and problem-solving skills.
Read the same books with the toddler. Build the toddler’s thinking skills by asking, ‘What happens next?’.
Play and Screen Time
Play with the toddler physically which lets the toddler have hands-on experiences.
Suggested Screen Time for Toddlers
If the toddler is one or two years old, aim not to give screen time.
If the toddler is over two years old, give one hour a day.
The toddler’s relationships with parents and other toddlers are important and the toddler learns a lot of social skills from them.
I hope all these pointers help you to bond and connect with your toddler. Feel free to let us know if you have any other questions.
Click here to read “Movement and Screen Time For Toddlers”.
We have some articles below that the parents like to read and you can find more information about us at the bottom.
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NURTURE INFANT HOUSE (Tampines)
Nurture Infant House, a leading infant care in Tampines, provides an infant care programme for infants aged 2 months to 18 months old. Teachers from our infant care Tampines or infant care at Tampines are trained, qualified, respectful, responsive to the infants. They are flexible with their approach to learning and can interchange their teaching method to accommodate your infant’s preferred method.
The infant's daily routines in our Tampines infant care include a good mix of structured activities such as introducing infants to a variety of colours, textures, and sounds etc, eat time, play time and rest.
We have over 30 years of experience in nurturing thousands of infants, toddlers and preschoolers so you are looking for Tampines infant care, Tampines preschool or Tampines childcare, do consider Nurture Infant House.
Located beside our Tampines infant care is our Genesis Childcare 1989.
If you are looking for a Tampines preschool or childcare Tampines for playgroup, nursery or kindergarten, you can consider enrolling your child in Genesis Childcare 1989. Our Tampines childcare is one of Singapore's leading childcare services. Visit our childcare at Tampines and Tampines preschool to learn more about our curriculum and how we ensure a holistic development for your child.
Lastly, would you like to visit our Nurture Infant House to find out more about our environment and setup as well as understand our operations by talking to our teachers and supervisor?
Nurture Infant House (2 to 18 months Infants)
Blk 433 Tampines Street 43 #01-61 Singapore 520433
Genesis Childcare 1989 (Playgroup to Kindergarten 2)
Blk 433 Tampines Street 43 #01-63/65 Singapore 520433
Opening hours: Monday to Friday (7am to 7pm) & Saturday (7am to 2pm)
Public Bus services: 8 / 21 / 28 / 29 / 293
Tel: 96664141