Loading Up On Tools
Toddlers have a sixth sense about how to push our buttons. They can ferret out the ONE thing that is most annoying and frustrating to us and never let up. And the best part is, they have sudden become completely immune to discipline tactics that worked perfectly the day before! No child is exactly the same as the next and no two days are the same either. If we don't have our toolbox loaded with ideas beforehand we can quickly find ourselves at the end of our ropes. Let me suggest a few ideas and some resources to help you build that supply of backup plans.

Distract And Redirect
Toddlers have limited understand of their world. They don't always remember what they are told about the limits. Perhaps more to the point, sometimes they just can't handle the temptation to go for it! Often the best form of teaching (discipline) is to redirect their attention with a distraction. Find them a toy or game they really love and put them down in front of it. Are they going to yell and complain about not being allowed to splash in the cat's water bowl? Yes. But if you can help them get excited about a new game they will forget about it in seconds. Yes, this does take energy and patience from you. You may have to redirect several times before you find the distraction that works. I have found that putting your enthusiasm into any new suggestion (using an excited voice, laughing, dancing, clapping, etc.) will peak their interest. Sometimes my daughter can't help herself, she just HAS to know what Mommy is so stinkin' excited about!

Make It An Opportunity To Help
One need every child has is the need to belong and have a place in the family. Helping them feel like participants in activities can help them feel more responsible and more self-sufficient. Even little activities like trying to get everyone out the door and into the car can be an opportunity to help. Make sure you child has something they are responsible for and they may become more interested in cooperating in the first place. Can they help wash the lettuce for the salad? Can they help carry their sippy cup and snack baggie to the car? How about letting them set their beloved toy up with a blanket on the couch so they can "nap" till the child returns? The littlest ideas can help to draw them into the activity you need done and make them more willing to help.

Make It A Game
This tool works great in tandem to the above suggestions or on it's own. Try challenging you child to pick up as many toys as possible before you count to ten. Or what about racing them to the car door (safely, of course!) Making what you want accomplished into a game makes it more fun for everyone, even you. Just make sure you toddler has the opportunity to win from time to time, Dad!

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