How Do You Cope With Bad Behavior In A Toddler?
The first step in combating bad behavior in toddlers is to recognize that there is always a reason for the things they do whether or not you or they understand them. When bad behavior rears its ugly head, you need to remember you absolutely have the power to escalate or diffuse it. There are many ways to combat bad behavior in toddlers. Distract them. Many times toddlers become focused on one thing, like wanting chocolate milk instead of white milk. Oftentimes offering them a choice as to which cup they drink from, or choosing the cookie to go with the milk will cause them to forget they wanted chocolate milk in the first place. Affirm them. Tell your toddler you understand that they are angry (or sad, or scared). They may not always hear or understand you, but you are setting up a pattern letting them know that you understand their frustration. Asking them how you can help make things better for them sometimes works to diffuse bad behavior. Be consistent. Consistency is critical when
