Wrong Toy for a 2 Year Old?
An old friend is coming into town with her son who will be turning 2 years old, and I wanted to get a little gift for him. I saw this great underwater playset at Toys R Us with all kinds of sea creatures that I think is really cool, but age recommendation is for kids ages 3 and up. I really don't know much about little kids. Is it a bad idea to get a 2 year old a toy recommended for a 3 year old or am I worrying about nothing?
What should I do if I realize my 3 year old stole something?
Accompany your child to return the object and to apologize for having taken it. (If it’s a store, the employees have probably experienced it before and are usually very nice about it.) Try to talk to the child at his or her level to explain why it is wrong to take things that belong to others. A child can usually unerstand that he or she wouldn’t want his or her possessions to be taken by someone else.There is no need to punish a child of this age the very first time such a thing happens. The child probably had no idea it was the wrong thing to do. The child saw something that appealed to him or her, and took whatever it was. If the child continues to steal, you may have to talk about what happens to people who break laws, but that’s probably not necessary the first time a three-year-old steals, as it’s not ideal for very young children to be afraid of law enforcement personnel.
Is it Ok to Spank my 3 year old?
This is a very challenging age, but spanking really does not work in the long run. You didn't mention what "verbal" method you were using, but I'm going to guess that like most of us were raised, you spend a lot of time saying things like: "No" "Don't do that" "Stop that" This is human nature, but it doesn't work and here is why. Children are always looking for the "big pay off" in terms of attention from their parent. You are your child's favorite toy! The key is to turn this around by giving her lots of attention when she is being good, and less attention when she is not. Very specifically praise her. For example, she is quietly playing with her blocks. Say, "Wow
My 3 year old is a terror, what else is there to do?
It appears that you're using punishment-based parenting, which, other than with a few compliant children, is almost guaranteed to make them more angry, more defiant, and more aggressive. (Even with the compliant ones it often leads to passive aggressive behaviour in the teenage years). Instead of setting yourself against your son and calling him names (like 'terror') you could try looking at the precious, valuable little boy who is evidently unhappy and angry, feeling unloved. This is not normal three-year-old behaviour, other than on rare occasions when a child is sick, or possibly hungry, or (in some cases) has eaten junk food or seen TV/computer games. Instead of 'getting onto him' (whatever that means), try looking at things from your son's perspective. Anything breakable or fragile should be out of his reach. He needs lots of time every day to run around, climb trees, kick a ball around etc in the open air, to use up typical toddler energy. He also needs lots of hugs, and attention and stories. When he starts showing signs of being hyper or wild, first offer him a healthy snack (a piece of cheese, or an unsweetened yogurt, or a few nuts and dried fruit), as it may simply be his blood sugar plummeting. Give him a drink of water, too. Then offer him an interesting activity that you can do together. If he gets into something he really shouldn't, don't just tell him to stop - that won't teach him anything. Instead, get down to his level, and explain gently why whatever it is should not be done - although this kind of thing should only be rare. There aren't that many things a three-year-old should not do! If he tries to do something inappropriate, like throwing a toy car, take it from him gently, explain that cars or not for throwing (and why) ,and then give him a ball instead and play some throwing/catching games. If he's in a bad mood, give him a hug, and say that you can see he's angry. Let him express himself, either verbally, or by drawing 'angry pictures'. Don't criticise, or argue, but let him know that it's fine to feel that way. Maybe he needs a big pillow that he can hit when he feels aggressive, or maybe he just needs to feel loved - which won't happen at present while you are forever trying to find ways to punish and control him :-(
My 3 year old hits his baby sister...?
Be sure not to leave the baby-sister alone in a room with him. If you have chores to do be sure to have a close eye on the younger child and speak to your 3 year old like he is a big boy and give him big boy chores or tasks. Let him helpyou with the dishes or dusting or vacuuming. He will feel very special and he will also appreciate the attention. He might miss the one-on-one attention he used to get before the "baby-sister" came along. Make a fuss over him when he does something good and be sure to find some one-on-one time where the two of you may keep that bond special. Reading at bedtime is great and if you have a partner to help with the other child(ren) don't be afraid to ask. You must also be firm when he does do something wrong and don't backtrack and let him make you feel guilty about your punishment but just be sure it is fair. A time out for 3 minutes is all that is needed and make him apologize before he gets off his time out.