Tips for raising toddlers

amother

OP ↓

Sun, Dec 15 2024, 2:43 pm

As I’m entering this new stage (my baby is 17 months) I thought I would see if any imas have any good advice for raising toddlers.
My baby/toddler loves to throw everything, toys, food off of high chair, water out of the bath etc.
I’m trying to figure out what the best approach is when he’s doing something I don’t want him to do (Another ex: pull off Shabbos tablecloth with all the china on it)

What do you find most effective? Should I try to be teaching him at this point and telling him what not do or what to do when he still doesn’t really understand much? Just try to distract?

I’m a SAHM right now so we spend a lot of time together and I want to be consistent and feel confident about what I’m doing but I’m just not sure how to handle these situations right now because I don’t feel like he really understands what I want from him.

For example, he’s taking cup in bathtub and pouring water out so I tell him, “We keep the water in the bathtub” and show him how to pour water in the bathtub. Then, he pours water out again so I take away the cup. Then, he starts just using his hands to try to splash water out of the bathtub and he will like cup his hands and use them to pour water on the floor. So then I should just remove him from the bathtub? Like I just don’t think he really gets it. So, I started closing the shower curtain which makes it harder for him to pour water out cuz there’s a shower curtain in the way.

Sorry for the rambling post. I basically would love some advice. Either something specific that you do that works for you or just advice in general about this stage. Or if anyone has any good book recommendations.

I taught 3rd grade in the classroom and have a masters in education so I think I’m just so used to having a classroom management system and working with elementary age children rather than toddlers that I feel like should know what I’m doing and I feel like I’m just winging it.

Lizzie4 ↓

Sun, Dec 15 2024, 2:47 pm

Both the food throwing example and the water pouring example show that he’s bored, I.e had more than enough time in his high chair / bath and it’s time to change activities

↑ Lizzie4

Sun, Dec 15 2024, 2:49 pm

Instead of talking and teaching, just remove him. “No more bath time!” He’ll understand

OddoneOut1

Sun, Dec 15 2024, 2:51 pm

Agree with posters above.
When he gets into trouble, you just go on to the next thing and distract-at this age.
He understands your expressions a lotbetter than your words- don't use so many Smile

amother

Yolk

Sun, Dec 15 2024, 3:00 pm

First of all sounds like you have an active toddler bH. Secondly, when my kid pulls the tablecloth off the table, I stop setting it early. I set it right before we eat. That's the correct thing at that stage from my perspective and I've had some very challenging toddlers. Secondly, regarding spilling water out of the bathtub, yes you can show your child how to play with water in the bath, but I'd shorten the bath at that point. Wash him up and take him out. Bath it over. They all grow up eventually.

amother

↑ OP

Sun, Dec 15 2024, 3:29 pm

Thanks for the replies. Sounds like everyone agrees. I’m overthinking everything right now and should just keep things moving and change the environment whenever possible. Thanks everyone!

amother

Gold

Sun, Dec 15 2024, 3:44 pm

I recommend the book “how to talk so little kids will listen” it has lots of practical tips and advice

giftedmom

Sun, Dec 15 2024, 3:55 pm

Toddler are just babies with more physical abilities and curiosity. Don’t overthink. Physically remove and distract. Don’t give into tantrums it sets a bad precedent. Crying is part of healthy development and totally okay.

amother

Gray

Sun, Dec 15 2024, 4:09 pm

giftedmom wrote:

Similar to not giving into tantrums. don't tell him not do something and then ignore it. Like don't say stop throwing but let him keep throwing. That also sets a bad precedent. Rather just ignore, distract, or remove.