UPDATED May 18th, 2018
Did you just get an order from a miniature-sized drill sergeant? When your toddler tells you to ‘get her that desirable object now,’ you’re probably tempted to chuckle, while you shiver in your boots a little. Heck, you might even smile in awe as she shows her older cousin the “correct” way to play that game, fancying herself a fabulous teacher. While it’s perfectly natural for toddlers to let a little personality come through, if this non-flexibility tendency is not dealt with now, down the line you could be stuck with a tween who’s been getting her own way for so long, that you, mommy, are no longer in charge . The truth is, while it may be easier to just give them what they want, your little one needs your mommy-knows-best judgment-call on most things. Because let’s face it, you have way more experience than she does. So what are some simple strategies to handle bossy toddlers?
One strategy is to pay less attention to the bad behavior, in other words, according to Parenting magazine, ignore them. Young children love an audience, so don’t encourage her bad behavior by laughing when she’s doing a no-no. Even scolding her is attention, but the negative kind. And when they have a full-blown tantrum, the best thing to do is just let her cry it out in a safe place, but don’t get involved. Also, it’s important to be aware that sometimes, bossiness could stem from the need for more attention. Be sure you’re spending quality time with your little one.
Read Related: Ageless Awareness: 20 Ways to Raise Toddlers to Use Mindfulness
