During the ages of two and three, your child’s verbal skills will improve dramatically and in turn will help her to develop self-control - her ability to speak to make her wants and needs known means that she does not have to act on them. She can now also use her language skills to direct her own behaviour as well.
 
For instance, when your two year-old is climbing the stairs, you could very well hear her telling herself to be careful. Also, at this age, they are becoming aware that things can also happen in the future, so when your child is playing with another child, she will know that after the other child has had her turn, that she will again be able to play with that toy.
 
Of course, sometimes your little one will forget these things and might be reluctant to give up that particular toy. In this case, you will have to remind her that she will have another turn once the other child has finished playing with the toy.
 
At this age, take advantage of the fact that your child wants to be ‘big’. If your child puts her toys away, then praise her mature behaviour by saying, “you put the toys away all by yourself!” This is a very powerful motivator and will encourage your little one to do it over again.
 
Using distraction is another good tactic for teaching your child self-control. For instance, if your child is busy taking the cutlery out of the kitchen drawer, give her a job to do by asking her to put a fork at everyone’s place at the table. Or, if she throws her jacket on the floor, ask her to hang it up on her own special hook.

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