Annoying toddler behaviors that are normal development

If you have a toddler, I know you know what I'm talking about. Oy vey.
Toddler behaviors that may seem utterly annoying may just be your child’s natural way of growing into his ever-expanding mind which is filled with excitement and endless possibilities.

Toddlers are curious, stubborn, strong willed and highly exploratory. They are also learning about their role in the world and what capabilities they have. They love to say NO, run away, resist requests and try to do everything their way. This can be frustrating for parents, but no need for strict discipline or harsh requests.

Each day allow your child time for free play both indoors and out. Give them opportunities to try new things that are challenging and intriguing. Talk with them about their feelings and empathize.

If you find your toddler is always frustrated, re-evaluate your daily activities. Do you have enough physical time, quite time or things that challenge your child’s mental and physical abilities? Children need to regularly learn new tasks - when children learn and master new tasks they spend less time feeling frustrated.

Watch my mommy shows at www.TheGoToMom.TV

Tags: blaine, child, development, discipline, go, kimberley, mom, the, to, toddlers

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Comment by Kimberley Clayton Blaine on January 22, 2009 at 1:44pm: Michelle, My toddler is trying to crawl out of crib as I type. I tried to sleep next to him in his big boy bed, but he kept getting up to play. So I had to put him back into his crib. He loves to stay up. Oy! He can never sit still, so I know how you must feel!! Grrrr.

Comment by Michelle Harvey on January 22, 2009 at 12:17pm: I have a 3 1/2 year old daughter and I get very frustrated! I do my best with her as I'm more of an introvert and love having quiet time, and she's very hyper and can't stand doing things by herself. It's difficult especially in the winter! Great article. It's good to hear other's stories as my hubby seems to think our daughter is the only one who acts the way she does!

Comment by Kimberley Clayton Blaine on January 22, 2009 at 8:03am: Steph, I know it's like we are their dog, "come here mama, come on... MOmmmmmmmmmy!" same at my home too. Oh my.

Comment by Steph Stargell on January 22, 2009 at 12:53am: I have a fabulous 3 1/2 year old daughter (+ a 10 and 8 yr old). She drives me crazy saying Momma. MOOOOOM, Mommy, MMMMOOOOOMMM, MOOOOMMMMYYY at least 400 times a day! AAARRGGH!

Comment by Kimberley Clayton Blaine on January 21, 2009 at 7:52am: Jamie Ross- Oh yes, the two yea -olds can be quite the challenge. I feel bad because sometimes I count down the hours until bed time. But your situation with the kids having to be inside all day is tough. Most two year olds grow out the hyper exploratory and testing stage, so there will be some breathing room eventually. Although, my toddler's is on the high scale of being an extrovert, so my road may just be a very long one...

Comment by Jamie Ross on January 20, 2009 at 7:10pm: It is nice to know that everyone is in the same boat as I am. I got laid off a couple of months ago and am now at home with my 2 year old, and I find myself pulling my hair out sometimes. It is hard in the winter when you are stuck inside all day long.

Jamie - www.momsonlineoffice.com

Comment by Adry Viola http://www.modmami.com on December 19, 2008 at 12:13pm: thank you for encouraging me - I just may do that.

Comment by Kimberley Clayton Blaine on December 19, 2008 at 10:13am: That must be so hard to not have your eldest son living with you. Maybe if you start writing you'll feel energized. The key is just start writing. Don't be concerned about format or organization. I didn't know where to start until I turned on the computer. I had a passion for helping other women, and the writing came naturally. Go for your dreams.

Comment by Adry Viola http://www.modmami.com on December 19, 2008 at 9:24am: Thank you - I believe that alot of it has gotten worse since my eldest son went to live with his dad. So didn't need that to happen. Hopefully I can get my hands on a copy of your upcoming book. Congrats! I always wanted to write a book...don't know where to start though.

Comment by Kimberley Clayton Blaine on December 19, 2008 at 9:17am: Adry, my book, Mommy Confidence, which comes out in Feb, will really be a great 'pick-me-up' for you. I wrote it for moms like us, who need a plan to manage our lives, so that we can get back our vitality. I know how you feel. Take baby steps and allow the blues to have role. Simply as much as you possibly can. Take time alone to breath and fantasize about how you'd 'like life to look like.' Tell yourself each night before you go to bed, or during your prayers, that 'you deserve good things and that you invite positive change into your life outlook.' The baby blues are natural, but they do need time and attention. Don't let them take over. You deserve great things. Your kids deserve a great mommy :-)