| You are at home, rushing around, with only five | | | | child will learn that these songs are clues to what |
| minutes left if you are going to make it to the last half | | | | comes next. We all know the "Clean Up" song; how |
| of play group. You still have to help the kids get their | | | | about "This is the way we put on our shoes" or "If |
| shoes on, get them in their car seats, and drive across | | | | you're ready and you know it, stand by the door!" |
| town. Hastily you call to your toddler that it is time to | | | | Offer choices - Toddlers are much more willing to |
| go. What do you hear? "No Mommy, I don't want to | | | | cooperate if they feel like they have some control |
| go! I want to stay home!" If you finally manage to get | | | | over the process. Bring two pairs of shoes over to |
| out of the house, you will most likely find yourself | | | | your toddler and say: "It's time to put your shoes on. |
| suiting up for the same battle an hour later, when its | | | | Would you like to wear your sneakers or your |
| time to go back home for lunch. | | | | sandals? I wonder which ones you are going to |
| As any parent of a toddler knows, transitions are one | | | | choose." (Keep choices to two.) |
| of the most challenging, yet unavoidable, parts of the | | | | Use Humor and/or a little reverse psychology - If your |
| day. Soon after our cute little babies master the | | | | child initially refuses to put on her shoes, put them on |
| essential skills it takes to walk and talk, an irresistible | | | | your hands and walk, dance, or run them past him. Use |
| urge to make their own choices begins to surface. | | | | a silly voice and say, "You can't catch me! I don't want |
| Although this is an exciting time, we run into trouble | | | | to go on your feet! No! No! NO!" You will definitely have |
| when our toddlers realize that the only way to make | | | | his attention and he will most likely playfully snatch |
| decisions of their own is to first disagree with | | | | them off your hands and quickly put them on her feet. |
| everything that you have to say. Now whenever you | | | | Look ahead - Talk about what's coming next. One |
| ask them to do something, even if it is to eat ice | | | | client told me that after I suggested this technique she |
| cream, it's highly likely they will refuse! | | | | never had another problem with getting her little boy to |
| Creativity is an essential parenting skill. Parents can | | | | leave somewhere fun. Her son immediately gets up to |
| guide their children through transitions and have a | | | | go home when she tells him their dog is missing them. |
| peaceful, productive, and nonconfrontational day by | | | | She reminds him that he needs to help her refresh |
| using some of the "tricks" below: | | | | their dog's water bowl and take him for a walk. Think |
| Sing a song - Singing to initiate, and through a transition, | | | | of things your child likes doing at home; watering the |
| is especially helpful for toddlers. By being consistent | | | | plants, setting the table, playing with playdough; anything |
| and using the same song for the chosen activity your | | | | that gets your child excited about what's ahead. |