Super Shopping

Choose the best time for shopping whenever possible,
not when you are both tired.

Include your toddler in the process as much as possible.
For example, they may help count the apples into the bag,
or place (non fragile) items into the trolley for you.

A small bottle of water and a tiny box of sultanas can ensure
your child has a healthy snack. If this is all you offer
from the first shopping trip, it will become part of the routine,
rather than a battle for other food items.

Speak pleasantly to your child. If you whine at them,
they will whine right back.

Be encouraged, as you work on training your child in patience
and self-control at home, each trip will get easier.

Insane Insanity

"If you keep doing what you have been doing,
you will keep getting what you have been getting."

To keep doing what you are doing
- and expect a different result - is insane!!!

To get a different result, try something different.
Be reasonable, give it three to four weeks to bear fruit.

If you are mostly enjoying each day with your toddler,
then not much needs to change.

If you are mostly not enjoying each day with your toddler,
then maybe try a different approach.

Dressing Dramas

Be careful to ensure that dressing your toddler does not turn into a daily drama.
Cheerfully chose the outfit for the day, chatting about your selection as you dress your child.

"We will wear this lovely warm jumper today as it is cold and windy outside."
"This cotton dress will keep you cool on this hot Summer day."
"These blue pants will be very smart for the party."

Your pre-schooler will be able to manage selecting between two outfits
"Would you like your floral or stripe dress for church today?"

Your school age child will be able to select for themselves the right clothing for the right
occassion. You have gently be teaching them how to dress by modelling the decision process.
Dressing can be a peaceful process for you and your child to enjoy together each day.

Reading Readiness

Your precious little one will problably be sitting in the high chair for meals from around 6 months of age.

At the end of each meal have a short "reading" time. Simply wipe down the tray and give your child a board or plastic book.

Yes, at first your child will eat it, turn it round and round, or throw it on the floor.

However, if you also read at this time, your child will begin to mimic your model. Have the microwave or other timer signal when reading time is over.

If you are calm and consistent, you can have 10 - 20 minutes of silent reading time at the end of each meal by the time your child is two years old.

You will also be developing in your child a life long love of reading, and have teens who adore books.

Choosey Choices

Jimmy gets up as soon as he awakes. He watches TV, wanders through the house, asks (and receives) cornflakes after mum serves weetbix, watches TV, wanders inside and out, watches TV, throws a few things in the toilet, watches TV, plays with mums make-up, watches TV, and asks (and receives) triangle sandwiches for lunch after mum serves square sandwiches. Then mum says it is nap time. What does Jimmy say?

Jonny gets up at 7 am when a song plays. He eats the weetbix he is served for breakfast, he plays in his room until his music tape stops, then watches TV at the usual daily time, then enjoys special play with mum, then has outside time until he is asked to come inside for the square sandwiches (he did ask for triangles but was politely refused). Then mum says it is nap time. What does Jonny say?

Someone is in charge in your house.
Is it you or your toddler?
Who does your toddler think is in charge in your house?
If you are having huge 'battles' in your toddlers day,
ask yourself - who is making the choices all day every day?

FUSSY FOODIES

Your child will often first display his food preferences at around ten months of age. For 4 - 6 months he has quite happily accepted your offerings. Now suddenly he protests - usually at the green foods!

Think ahead. Do you want happy, pleasant peaceful mealtimes, or battles, tears and tantrums over every meal?

We always gave our children a choice at mealtime. They may eat what is served or have nothing. No third choice was offered. Ever.

Be calm and consistent right from the start and you will not have fussy foodies.

TEEN TIP: Teens who happily eat whatever is served, and say thankful, are a joy!!

Bathtime Blues

Bathtime was a noisy time in our house once a week.
Hair wash night.
My daughter hated having her hair washed.
She screamed whether the water was in her eyes or not.

We tried a few different approaches in the early toddler days.
However, we realised the quickest and kindest (on everyone else's ears!)
way for all concerned was to simply wash her hair.

I would sing myself a little song, to keep myself calm,
and she would scream.
After about three months she realised her hair was washed,
scream or no scream.

And peace reigned.