Whether you are new to toddler parenting or an experienced parent of toddlers, you know that dealing with toddler emotions is a huge part of the job. For having such little bodies, toddlers can have BIG emotions. Unfortunately, these big emotions have often given toddlers a bad reputation among parents. The phrase “the terrible twos” is still in common usage, even though many of us (including myself) don’t really care for it.
Most of the reputation about toddler emotions and their development has to do with a lot of misunderstanding. Many parents tend to view toddlers with the same lens they view adults. Adults generally act in rational ways, with reasonably well-thought-out plans and have at least some control over the emotional reactions. Toddlers, on the other hand, really haven’t developed any of these skills. They have only been on the planet for a few years! Many times they do not act rationally, they haven’t developed many planning skills or emotional regulation. Thus, the challenge of getting through the toddler years is trying to see the world a little more through their eyes. A challenge, for sure, but not impossible.
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Toddler Emotions: Research Parents Can Use
Toddler emotions can change on a dime! I know many of us have seen this in our own kids. After years of parenting and researching this topic, the best piece of advice I continue to hear is “be the calm in their storm.” If we, as parents, can learn to be “unruffled” (as Janet Lansbury describes it) in the midst of our toddlers’ tantrums and big emotions, they will learn self-regulation sooner.
Getting to the Bottom of Emotional Outbursts—and Then Turning the Corner
Emotional outbursts are hard for any parent but by helping kids cope with emotions, we can boost their emotional skills.
Toddlers Have Big Emotions. Insight from Research on How to Respond
Research we can really use! Child development research has shown the best ways for dealing with toddler tantrums and it’s probably not what you think.
How to Parent a Toddler
Of course, there is no one right way to parent a toddler. It requires a lot of patience and many attempts to understand toddler emotions and their point of view. Approaching toddlerhood with a little background research can always help. These articles help bring to life some common toddler challenges and the research that helps us handle these issues.
One Research-Backed Way to Diminish Toddler Tantrums
Need help with how to handle toddler tantrums? Research to the rescue!
Self-Regulation in Toddlers: Why Language Matters More for Boys
This is another fascinating study that considers the role of language in how toddlers develop self-regulation. As you might expect, there are some interesting differences by gender.
The Hidden Way That Kids Learn Empathy (and How Parents Can Help)
Another part of understanding toddler emotions is learning about the development of empathy. The development of emotional intelligence in toddlers is a common question among parents and this research gives great insight.
Toddler Growth Spurts and Development
One aspect of toddler development we often overlook is toddler growth spurts. Growth spurts in toddlers can really influence their behavior, their moods, sleeping and eating patterns. Understanding a bit about these growth spurts, when they occur and their effect on toddlers can help parents tremendously.
Finding Meaning in the Mayhem: How to Spot (and Survive) a Toddler Growth Spurt
Learn how to identify the signs of a toddler growth spurt and ways to cope with the behavior that comes with it.
The Key to Making Sense of Your Child’s Crankiness: Understanding Toddler Growth Spurts
If your toddler is suddenly acting differently or more erratic than usual, this article can help. This article helps us see how a growth spurt might be influencing your toddler’s behavior.
Toddler Development Toys and Play
As Fred Rogers said, “play is the work of childhood.” Play may look frivolous to us, but in reality, it is how most of the learning in early childhood happens. For that reason, the toys our toddlers play with really matter. These articles focus on open-ended toys that foster learning and creativity.
The Most Underrated Brain-Boosting Toy in your Kids’ Toy Box
Once again research shows us that simple toys are still the best. Learn about how this brain-boosting type of play is still great for toddlers.
Toddler Toys That Will Boost Children’s Development {and they’ll love for years!}
A curated collection of toys that toddlers actually love (as tested by my kids and many others!) and will not get pushed aside after only one use.
Want to Promote Executive Functioning Skills in Your Kids? It’s Easier than You Think
Play builds real skills! Tips for using play to engage toddlers’ minds and help them learn valuable skills.
Thriving as a parent during the toddler years isn’t impossible. With a little research knowledge, some positive parenting tips and a lot of patience, you can feel confident to help your toddler through their developmental ups and downs.
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