Call me crazy, but I actually love the toddler age! Yes, there are days where I want to pull my hair out or close my bedroom door, but I love watching my children grow during these monumental years. The toddler years are such a time of incredible growth and learning. If you think about it, they learn so much from the time they are 12 months old up to 36 months old! As I’ve been playing with my toddler lately, I had a thought come to mind. And I believe it’s such an important one, which is why I wanted to share it with you today.
Do you ever think about how we have to teach our children everything? I mean every. single. thing. we have to teach them! From the time they are born, we have to teach them how to sleep and eat. Then as they get older, we not only teach them academics, but we teach them manners, respect, and how to obey. Whew! That’s such a big task! Since we are our children’s first and most important teacher, we need to really teach toddlers to do this important thing: listen to our voice.
So I challenge you. If your toddler doesn’t respond to your voice, then take the time to train them. I promise you, it will make a HUGE difference! And if you’re looking for more idea for teaching respect, make sure to check out this post.
What are your thoughts on this?
Very nice article. I am big fun of your article. Thanks for sharing such nice inform. its help lot to new mom like me
Couldn’t agree more with this “They don’t always choose to obey, but they CAN!”.
I think it’s very important to train and discipline your babies.
After all, we all want the best things for our kids.
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Thank you for sharing this. I have been really encouraged by your blog having just discovered it. I have an almost 1 year old and with all of the blogs out there on activities to do, yours has been the most realistic one for his age. I don’t feel like a failure anymore, lol! Your ideas are also wonderfully simplistic and doable and don’t leave me feeling like I need to go spend gobs of money! Thanks again!
Laura- thank you SO much for your encouraging comment. You made my day! I’m so happy to hear that my blog is helpful to you. 🙂
I made up a listening game when my kids were little. While they were busy playing, I would say “Sara, come here quickly!” You need to be within visible distance, say the name, pause, give the command. Then praise them and give a fruit snack or carrot stick, whatever he or she likes. Also training to “STOP” the same way. Maybe on the way to the table say “Amy! STOP” then praise for listening and hugs. Then we would practice on the playground, out in the yard, and at people’s homes. Rather than saying “don’t touch that” and by the time the words are out they already have… “stop” and they stop and look at you for direction. I sometimes STILL miss being a mom to a toddler and I have grandchildren!!
What a great idea! Thank you for sharing! 🙂
I sometimes wonder if (especially new) parents don’t always realize how quickly you can start to teach a child. It’s hugely important to start early, while they are still learning where “no” is, before they decide that they don’t have to listen to “No.” (Or stop or whatever other command you give.) And that just because they can’t talk doesn’t mean they can’t understand.
I think I’m going to agree with you on this one; the most important thing is listening immediately. And I love how you taught him not to go to the street.