[SqueakInCanada]

Hi there,
DD is 17 months and becoming a real little toddler, so I was wondering - what is your best toddler tip, or what do you wish you had of known coming into this phase?

[Mung bean]

My DS has just turned 18 months, so I'm also interested.

OP have you tried water play with your DD? I set my DS up outside with a big ikea plastic tub filled with water and plastic jugs, it honestly keeps him involved in independent play for about an hr, giving me an opportunity to read the paper

Also Pinkys toddler tactics is a good resource.

[JBaby]

will be stalking this thread!

[winkywonkeydonke...]

pick your battles.

get out of the house as much as possible

keep them well fed and well slept

[busymumof1&1/2]

Think about how high you think they can reach, now add another 50cms.
They have arms like an octopus when they are interested in something you don't want them to have.
Also, don't start an activity unless yopu are sure you can keep going with it for an extended period of time. Eg, a 5 minute swing ends up being 30 minutes, and having to pry them away with promises of sweets.

[Studybug]

DH reminded me just on the wknd, how I would call him up complaining 'terrible 2s my a*s, it's started already" heehee.

distracting them from doing whatever is annoying/dangerous etc is a handy technique.

get down to their level to give instructions.

try not to be offended by the word No, you're going to hear it alot and in many different tones, and it's really going to p*ss you off, but it's not personal, well not when they're this age anyway lol.

a swimming lesson in the morning can be a godsend for tiring out a child on a nap strike.

[~~HappyMummy~~]

Agree with winkywonkydonkey's comments.

We go out every morning - playgroup, park, toy library, play centre, etc, and am home every day for lunch and sleep. Morning activities wear them out.

Make sure your toddler eats well and has enough sleep.

Toddlers thrive on structure and routine.

[BabeBlossom]

Avoid the use of the word no as much as possible. Redirect or rephrase, ie don't touch the remote please versus repeating no to a million things they try do/touch in a day. I've found my 21 month old responds much better this way.
Also works for things like 'can I have iceypole' at 9am in the morning. Instead of no try maybe after lunch or explaining its too cold for icepole today.
Taking the extra time to explain let's DD know she's been heard and sets her expectations.
I think the toddler stage, especially early on is a really good time to setup habits for both yourselves and for the kid for how you want to parent as they get older and get to the more defiant ages.

[SplashingRainbow...]

Explain everything to them - especially anything out of the ordinary. Eg
We are going out soon. We need shoes on to stop our feet getting sore and a bag of snacks. When I count to 10 we will put your shoes on, then pack some snacks, then hop into the car.

This works so well for us - it really does help him know what's coming up and feel more in control.


And of course laughs, good food, good rest, solid routines.

I adore my toddler, such a wonderful stage.

[WaffleGrrrl]

This is great stuff ladies! Keep it coming!

*collapses after finally getting 18 month old down for nap*