Many parents with toddlers will tell you that they develop some strange, weird and wonderful habits that a parent is never quite so sure how to deal with.
While these behaviours may seem strange or embarrassing to you, it is all a part of your toddler exploring the world around them.
As with everything a toddler or child does that may require some discipline, it is always wisest not to overreact.
Be calm, clear and firm in telling your toddler when something they are doing is not socially acceptable rather than scaring them with a raised or angry voice.
Here are some common behaviour from toddlers that you may experience:
The naturist toddler
Many toddler will throw their clothes off before you can say “dinner’s ready!” and seem to love nothing more than being in their birthday suit. Your toddler isn’t aware of social norms so just let him know he can be naked at home but must wear clothes elsewhere.
Your toddler may also like being naked because he has control over it. To combat this, allow your toddler to choose his own clothes (with your guidance, of course) as he will then feel like he chose his outfit rather than you and will be more likely to keep it on.
Repetition
Does your toddler insist on the same story night after night after night? You may feel like pulling your hair out if you hear it again but your best move is to play it out. Your toddler likes repetition because it is routine and reliance. There is a safety in reliance, even if it’s just a bedtime story! She will soon move on to a new story.
Does your toddler insist on the same story night after night after night? You may feel like pulling your hair out if you hear it again but your best move is to play it out. Your toddler likes repetition because it is routine and reliance. There is a safety in reliance, even if it’s just a bedtime story! She will soon move on to a new story.
Nappy contents fascination
Your toddler may be very interested in what is in their nappy. This is all a part of them getting to know their bodies, and what comes out of it. Let your toddler know that their nappy contents belong in the nappy and be firm. The last thing you want is a nappy exploration while you’re not looking so be sure to dispose of them safely and out of reach of curious hands!
Your toddler may be very interested in what is in their nappy. This is all a part of them getting to know their bodies, and what comes out of it. Let your toddler know that their nappy contents belong in the nappy and be firm. The last thing you want is a nappy exploration while you’re not looking so be sure to dispose of them safely and out of reach of curious hands!
Head banging
A toddler who bangs his head over and over may give you alarm bells as it seems dangerous. They are not trying to purposely hurt themselves. A toddler who is banging their head is using a non-verbal way of comforting themselves when tired or fussy.
A toddler who bangs his head over and over may give you alarm bells as it seems dangerous. They are not trying to purposely hurt themselves. A toddler who is banging their head is using a non-verbal way of comforting themselves when tired or fussy.
