Life is full of choices - start giving options early

As we are approaching the "terrible two's" with our little man there is a noticeable change in his reaction to being parented. Up until a few months ago when we asked him to do things he didn't want to do (change of nappies) or denied a request (food, toy, etc) he would try to get his way ... but gently and quietly. Now, it's full on - the second he realises he can't have something or we want him to do something he doesn't want to do all hell breaks loose. I wouldn't call it throwing a tantrum as such but he certainly makes it very clear that he's annoyed.

In terms of his emotional and social development this is actually a good sign. He's trying out various emotions and also how to get his way through a employing number of tactics (making lots of noise, crying, rolling around on the floor, running away, etc). From a parent-sanity perspective it's not that great obviously. So we looked into some behaviour management techniques. One that I thought was quite good is to offer choices and options whenever possible.

E.g. instead of saying "ok time to go to bed now", start the topic by presenting an option such as "what book would you like me to read to you before you go to bed?". In order for this technique to work you need to introduce the topic before it becomes an issue (i.e. "I don't want to go to bed now"). It's also important to offer options and choices for lots of things (not only when there is a behavioural issue) - like options for food, activities, toys, etc. Get them to state their preferences and encourage them to make decisions. That way they will feel valued and empowered in that they "had a say" in what happens next.

Anyway - that's just one tactic to try out (check out the SKIP page for other tips on managing behaviour). Works for us.

-Stef