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Home › Articles › Development › Toddler Antics

Toddler Antics

Recognizing Age-appropriate Behavior

By Harmony Cornwell

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In the race to become independent – not necessarily to try the last thread of their parent's patience – a toddler is full of challenging behaviors. And the challenging part for parents can be deciding if the biting, messiness and flat-out refusals to obey are appropriate for the age and stage their child is in.

In the majority of children they are. Sharing tricks of the parenting trade on how to discipline a 1- to 3-year-old, moms and dads can provide support for one another and make it through to the next stage of their child's development.

Curiosity
A toddler has much to learn, and if you look at her constant testing and experimenting as the road to knowledge and imagination it will help you along the way. Safety is the biggest concern, followed closely by the mess that follows a bout of curiosity seeking.

Debbie Gauthier, a registered practical nurse schooled in child psychiatry, says that we need to, "nurture [children's] curious growing minds."

The common lament "my toddler is always getting into things" is the result of their inquisitiveness. Make it easier on yourself and your little one; set boundaries and be consistent with them. If there are items in the house that are strictly off limits, don't let them play with them sometimes to get a break. If your reason for not letting them explore is because of the mess involved, find an area where it is OK to make a mess – outside, the bathtub or at the kitchen table.

Listening
"[Not] listening is the source of many difficult and stressful times for parents of toddlers," Gauthier says. She encourages parents to follow through with clearly established rules and boundaries and says that consistency and continuity are the two Cs of toddlerhood every parent should heed.

Toddlers possess determination and perseverance in abundance, and it can be hard to get them to switch gears once they have their mind set on a goal. Gauthier shares some tips to get your toddler to listen:

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