It’s not yet time to set rules for making the bed or keeping neat at mealtime. Instead, focus on introducing concepts like putting toys away or treating books with care.
Make simple connections when you lay out the rules — “Bobby can’t touch the stove like Daddy. It’s hot — ouch!”
For instance: “We cover our mouth with our elbow when we cough so we don’t share tiny yucky germs with others. ” Or: “We don’t throw blocks because they might hit Mommy or Sissy and cause an ouchie. ”
Both parents need to enforce the rules if a 1-year-old child is going to learn them. Be sure that you and your partner are on the same page. Whether or not you and the child’s other parent are a couple, you will have to work diligently to ensure a consistent set of rules.
Your tone of voice and facial expressions will tell your 1-year-old. Stay calm and keep negativity out of your voice, but be firm with them as you explain the consequences. “When Lucy shares her toys, it makes Lily smile and feel happy. ” “When Hunter splashes water out of the tub, Daddy has to end bath time to clean up and we don’t get to play with ducky. So sad!”
“You drank all your milk without spilling it. Mommy’s so proud!” “Grammy is so happy when I see you sharing your book with your sister!”
It might be tempting to try to tidy up the room or take a moment for yourself while your kid is playing nicely with their toys, but this is a great time to shower them with attention and appreciation.
For instance, some kids throw an angry tantrum at the mildest correction by a parent, others sob uncontrollably, and still, others try to ignore it completely.
To communicate better with a 1-year-old, try looking into their eyes and paying attention to their signals. You can also teach basic sign language for babies starting at around 4 months of age, and they may be ready to start signing back at around 7 to 9 months. [11] X Research source
You’re not at your best when you’re tired, and neither is your toddler! When you see them rubbing their eyes and looking drowsy, start your naptime routine.
Instead of repeating in vain, “Bobby can’t play near Mommy’s figurines. They will break and Mommy will be sad and cry,” just pack them away for a few years.
For instance, if long car rides make your child act out during and after the ride, plan regular stops along the way and come up with some simple activities you can do together.
Basically, do your best to avoid “caving in” or bypassing the rules on a regular basis, but don’t beat yourself up when you inevitably do so from time to time. Nobody’s perfect!
Take some deep breaths, count backward from 10 (or 50!), and visualize a peaceful scene before you address the problem.
You want to administer discipline as soon as possible so that they connect it to the specific improper behavior. Still, if you need, take a moment or two to center yourself so that you can address your child in the best way possible – calmly and rationally. Shouting is never appropriate and will seldom have a positive effect, so if you find that you are raising your voice, disengage and let the teaching moment pass. There will be plenty more.
“My parents spanked me and I turned out fine” is not a good rationale. You probably also rode in the car without a car seat, and may have ridden your bike without a helmet.
Instead of “Bad Jeremy! Don’t hit Daddy!”, try “It hurts Daddy when Bobby hits me — ouch!”
Rather than “No food on the floor!”, go with “Let’s keep our food on our tray. ”
“Sissy gets sad and doesn’t want to play with you when you take toys from her. ” “When you bite Mommy, it means I have to stop playing blocks with you. ”
