HOW TO RAISE AN EMOTIONAL TODDLER WITH KINDNESS AND UNDERSTANDING

Written by Olivia Arrow

Parenting can be a challenging journey, and this is especially true when it comes to raising an emotional toddler. Toddlers are at a stage where they are learning about their emotions and how to express them. This can often lead to tantrums, meltdowns, and other challenging behaviours. As a parent, it can be overwhelming and exhausting to deal with these emotions on a daily basis. However, it is important to remember that these emotions are a natural part of your child’s development and it is our job as parents to guide them through this stage with kindness and understanding.

The first step in raising an emotional toddler is to understand that their emotions are valid. It can be tempting to dismiss their feelings or to tell them to ‘stop crying’ or ‘calm down.’ However, this can be damaging to their emotional well-being. Toddlers are still learning how to regulate their emotions and it is our job to support them in this process. Acknowledge their feelings and let them know that it is okay to feel upset or frustrated. This will help them feel heard and validated, which can often diffuse the intensity of their emotions.

Another important aspect of raising an emotional toddler is to model healthy emotional expression. Children learn by observing their parents and caregivers, so it is crucial that we show them how to express and manage our own emotions in a healthy way. This means being mindful of our own reactions and taking a moment to calm ourselves before responding to our child’s emotions. It also means being open and honest about our own feelings and talking to our child about how we cope with them. For example, we can say, ‘I am feeling angry right now, so I am going to take a deep breath and count to ten to calm down.’ This not only models healthy emotional expression but also teaches our child coping strategies that they can use in the future.

In addition to modelling healthy emotional expression, it is important to create a safe and supportive environment for our emotional toddlers. This means creating a space where they feel comfortable expressing their emotions without fear of judgement or punishment. We can do this by listening to our child without interrupting or minimising their feelings. It is also important to avoid shaming or labelling their emotions as ‘bad.’ Instead, we can help them identify and label their emotions, which will help them better understand and manage them in the future.

One of the most challenging aspects of raising an emotional toddler is dealing with their tantrums and meltdowns. It is important to remember that these behaviours are a normal part of their development and should not be punished or dismissed. Instead, we can use these moments as opportunities to teach our child how to cope with their emotions. For example, we can help them identify their feelings and provide them with coping strategies such as taking deep breaths or using a calm-down corner. It is also important to stay calm and patient during these moments, as our own emotional state can greatly impact our child’s behaviour.

In addition to managing tantrums and meltdowns, it is important to teach our emotional toddlers how to problem-solve and manage conflicts. This can be done through role-playing and practising how to use ‘I’ statements to express their needs and feelings. It is also important to teach them how to listen and empathise with others, which will help them develop healthy relationships in the future.

Another important aspect of raising an emotional toddler is to set boundaries and establish consistent routines. Toddlers thrive on routine and structure, and this can greatly help them regulate their emotions. It is important to set clear and age-appropriate boundaries for our children and to be consistent in enforcing them. This will help them feel safe and secure, which is crucial for their emotional development.

In addition to these tips, it is important to prioritise self-care as a parent. Raising an emotional toddler can be emotionally and physically draining, and it is important to take care of ourselves in order to be the best parents for our children. This can mean taking breaks when needed, seeking support from friends and family, and practising self-care activities such as exercise, meditation, or hobbies.

It’s important to remember that every child is different and there is no one-size-fits-all approach to raising an emotional toddler. It is important to be patient and understanding, and to adjust our strategies as needed based on our child’s individual needs. With kindness, understanding, and consistency, we can help our emotional toddlers navigate this challenging stage and lay the foundation for healthy emotional development in the future.