Top Tips To Encourage Positive Behaviour In Your Toddler

Summer is here, and many parents will be looking forward to a family holiday, whether it’s setting up a baby travel system for a weekend in Wales or an overseas destination somewhere pleasant and sunny. 

No doubt the next couple of months will bring many moments of happiness and adventure with your mini-mes, but most parents will admit that being in charge of young children 24/7 can also bring its challenges. One of the key ways to navigate these less harmonious times is through encouraging positive behaviour. Here are some tips.

Be a good role model

It is often true that we get back what we give out, and this certainly applies to young children! They learn by watching and copying how you behave, so be mindful about what you say and do when you are with them. Talk to your children with the same respect and politeness you would expect from them, showing them that you value and care about them.

It might be a cliche, but actions really do speak louder than words when young minds are soaking up the world around them. Treat everyone around you with consideration and kindness, whether it’s delivery people or the family pet. If your children see you are irritable and ungracious in these situations, they will soon copy you.

Create clear and consistent rules

Children need clear and simple rules and boundaries to follow that are appropriate for their age and level of understanding. Be precise about what you expect from your children, so instead of telling them not to do something or simply to behave, say what you want them to do. 

For example, if you are at a friend’s house and you want your children to behave well, tell them to play quietly with their toys in the living room, rather than tell them not to run around and make a noise. Make sure that you apply rules and expectations fairly and consistently for all your children to avoid resentments and arguments. 

Praise good behaviour

Acknowledge and reward good behaviour in your children with positive affirmations and favourite treats (although avoid giving them sugary or fatty foods as a reward, as this may encourage poor eating habits in later life). Give rewards promptly that are in proportion to the behaviour displayed to reinforce positive connections in your child’s mind.

Don’t be too rigid in your expectations

While you don’t want to tolerate ill behaviour, we can’t expect young children to be perfect, and no doubt there will be times when you say or do something to express your frustration or anger. Apologise for your own mistakes, as this will give your child a role model for how to handle situations when they become cross and angry with you. 

Use the holidays to build quality time

Holidays can be a great time to strengthen family bonds with simple fun activities such as playing games or going for a walk. Empower your child with choices about what they want to do to help them develop independence and avoid power struggles.