As a professional with five years of experience running a day care Delhi business, I have had the opportunity to observe hundreds of toddlers closely, along with their parents. I have realized at that time that all children are unique, but there are some universal parenting approaches that can make an overwhelming difference in the early years.
It is not always simple being a parent of a toddler. I have personally gone through the tantrums and struggles with training children to use the toilet. However, with the correct strategies, it can be one of the most enjoyable and fulfilling times in your life. If you are wondering how to foster your toddler’s development while not losing your sanity, then here are my seven parenting tips, from a daycare professional, that I know will work:
1. Be Consistent with Rules and Routines – A Must from the Best Day Care in Delhi
First off, be consistent! Consistency is critical for parents, and it is even more critical when it comes to toddlers, they need that extra layer of assurance and structure when they are so small and expect to share this consistent experience each day, they will grow from it. We are here at a daycare that is known as the daycare in delhi, see it all the time. Consistency brings comfort to children, and being consistent is vital to the development of toddlers. Children need to recognize expectations!
Consistency equals better behaviour! Once that child is able to take control of their environment in advance this helps them feel secure. It is important to repeat a schedule and do the same thing every day, kids will move through their routines quickly with little effort once they understand the daily objectives.
2. Promote Self-Confidence through Independent Play
When toddlers are playing alone a lot of parents often feel guilty. However, self-play is necessary for creativity and problem-solving skills. We introduced independent play at our space, which is often referred to as the best creche in Delhi, in the forms of puzzles, building blocks, and pretend-play toys.
At home, give your child a safe and stimulating play space they can explore independently, and you will begin to see improvements in their attention span, confidence, and emotional state of regulation.
3. Say Less, Show More, the Workings of a Daycare Center
Toddlers don’t use comprehension skills to follow verbal directions consistently; however, they are fantastic mimics. We haven’t given our toddlers many verbal instructions at our daycare center in Delhi, as modeling has proven to be much more effective. Whether saying “thank you,” cleaning up, or using your calm expressions to show their emotions, children mimic the modeled behaviors and social skills they see.
Instead of telling your toddler to “use kind words,” try modeling it in your tone and actions. Actions speak a lot louder than words to little people.
4. Utilize Positive Reinforcement – A Fundamental of Quality Day Care
Instead of reprimanding mistakes or focusing on inappropriate behaviors, we always seek chances to encourage positive behavior in our day care service. Even just recognizing effort (not necessarily success) builds self esteem and encourages toddlers to repeat that action.
At home, celebrate cooperation, patience, and attempts to be autonomous with positive praise, such as “I like how you shared your toy” or “That was really helpful.” Be careful to not offer too many material rewards, such as candy or toys. Your loving words and attention are so much more valuable.
Pro Tip: Make a simple chart for some rewards and celebrate your child’s little successes together.
5. Recognize Emotions before Correcting Behavior
Toddlers have big emotions and small vocabularies, which often ends in explosions. In our childcare center, we always recognized a child’s feelings before we made the attempt to influence their behavior. This way, the child feels seen and heard.
If your child has a tantrum because they cannot have a cookie before dinner, instead of saying “Stop crying”(which only encourages/reinforces the poor behavior), try: “I understand that you are really upset because you want a cookie. I know it is hard to wait. You can have one after dinner.” This reduces the power struggle and teaches emotional literacy.
6. Offer Choices – Even Small Ones Build Confidence
Children in our child care center are often asked which book they’d like, which toy they prefer or what color shirt to wear. Because of this, individuals are able to make choices and improve their ability to control things.
At home, if you can, give your toddler two acceptable choices. “Do you want apple slices or a banana for your snack?” These simple choices prevent power struggles and enhance their self-worth.
7. Take Breaks (For Yourself Too!)
Looking after a toddler is not easy. Being always tired, upset or stressed will influence your behavior with your child. If any staff feels that they are getting tired, we make arrangements for them to change shifts and rest. You should also make time to relax during busier or more stressful moments.
Taking time out for yourself is not something that should make you feel bad. A little break away from your child, a short walk or exchanging a few words with a friend may give you the energy you need again.
Conclusion
Having a toddler can give parents joy as well as challenges. Don’t forget that others are part of your life too. I have spent years loving toddlers in a home-based context, and I’ve seen how small and consistent changes in parenting style can make a big difference.
These seven tips will help support a happy, confident and well-adjusted child, either at home or if you have to leave the house to work. If you feel like you need professional support, feel free to check out daycare in your city that aligns with your values.
