Get active
Whatever your budget, it’s vital you get your child up and moving about, preferably outdoors. When I was a nanny I’d do all sorts of things with my little ones, such as swimming, bike riding and visiting the park. And don’t worry, activities don’t have to cost the earth – some of the ones toddlers love most are completely free, like bird watching in the park or back garden, or splashing about in puddles.
Getting him outside and being active stimulates him and gets his imagination working, which leads to a brighter, more alert, and much less sullen toddler. Plus, trying new stuff makes your little one more likely to be inquisitive in other areas of his life. You’re preparing him for the adult world. It gives you more energy to be a parent too and you’ll find that the energy rubs off on the whole family.
DO IT NOW
Try a new outdoor activity today, for example, take a different route to the post office and talk about what you’re seeing on the way. Then try and do something different at least once a week. Ask your child what he’d like to do, too. He might surprise you with some fantastic ideas.
Let him be responsible
Whether it’s getting him to put away his toys, pick up his clothes or simply choose what snack he wants, giving your toddler responsibilities is an important milestone in raising a confident child. Accepting responsibility is an important life skill and it’ll also teach your little one to accept changes in life.
At the same time, you need to accept your responsibilities as a parent and set a good example for your children to follow.
DO IT NOW
Do one job together with your toddler – it could be pairing and rolling up newly washed socks – to teach him that there are responsibilities in people’s lives.
