Deal or No Deal ?

Am i talking of the game show....nope....

I am talking about striking a deal with your toddler...thats one tough deal to make...hmmm

Well, one would think why i chose writing about dealing with a toddler, when i am no expert in the field. The truth of the matter is 'necessity is the mother of invention' and I have constantly been innovating to keep my toddler son occupied with something to do when i have something else to do :)

As a mother, I have seen a pattern kids follow. They want to sleep when you eat, they want to play when you are tired and sleepy, they want to poop when you have just got them ready for bed and they want to have juice when it is time for a meal. The list is endless and the possibility of such things happening on a regular basis is quite common. However, our minds get worked up so soon, that before we realise it, there is a tantrum, a mess to clean,a time out and what not!! We then go through the whole cycle of pacifying, cajoling, cuddling and cooling off.

A toddler is a bundle of energy, ever ready to explore the world around and understand the laws of nature.. Yes..the beauty of 'cause and effect' becomes the key motivator for them to see the wonders of their actions. They may drop a spoon from their high chair, just to enjoy watching you pick it up over and over again. They may want to drink juice from a cup so as to slurp and make that funny noise! They may want to to make their food all squishy, just to get a feel of its texture. Whatever their interest be, it gets us adults ticking off and we are just ready to throw a tantrum ourselves.

There is no quick fix rule to avoid or eliminate such situations. Always think of it as a learning process. Yes, it may be messy and tiring, but in the end you toddler is learning. Engage your toddler's mind by reading books together, solving puzzles, making art and craft projects and playing around the house.

You need to ensure that you are able to satisfy your toddler's urge to learn and explore, by providing the right tools and environment. Now a days i see my son playing with a set of pots and pans and yesterday i was surprised to see that he had covered the pan with a lid with one hand and holding a spatula in the other. I asked him what he was cooking, and he said something in his mambo jumbo....language. i opened the pot, and lo behold, he was busy cooking his crayons...he was stirring it and serving it like a true chef :)

Patience is what we all need, when we deal with toddlers. Not just a little, but tons of it. They can push you till you reach your limits, so practice being patient and always try to take a deep breath before you let out any steam. To be consistent with your responses and be loving and supporting are the best tools to help your toddler go through this learning phase.

Childproof the house as far as you can, to avoid getting into such situations. Keep minimal furniture , so your child has lots of space to run around and play. A way to expend all their energy. Let your toddler help you in little tasks, so he or she feels included in the your activities.

Remember there is no winning or losing in this game of deal or no deal. It is about teaching your child to love, live and learn from his or her environment!