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One of the most important lessons we learn in life is that the world does not revolve around us. It can be a difficult lesson, especially for toddlers who have spent the first part of their lives having their every need and want catered to almost immediately.
Once children learn to crawl, it is vital that we as parents protect the child from danger yet allow them the freedom to explore and learn about their environment. The job gets even more difficult when children begin to walk. Their energy and curiosity are uncontainable and protective restraints, such as playpens, are seen by children as restrictive hindrances rather than safe places to play.
Nevertheless, the world around them still poses unknown dangers to children. It is our duty to watch over them, guide them, and protect them, yet not diminish or discourage their inquisitiveness. This is a difficult, but not impossible, task to accomplish and it takes a lot of time, patience, and energy but the results will be well worth the effort.
We've all been at the grocery store, in a restaurant, or at a friend's house watching and listening to small children throw a temper tantrum because they didn't get their way. Is there anything we can do to prevent ourselves from being the focus of angry stares from others in these public places?
The good news is, yes, there is something we can do. We can civilize our toddlers, teach them, and train them how to behave in public. After all, it is for their own good. And a civilized toddler is much more agreeable to live with.
Some parents remove everything from within reach of their children. Although it is a good idea to remove anything breakable, valuable, or that could harm small children, it is better to leave some items out and teach children not to touch. This is done by careful watching of the children as they roam through the house and telling them, "no," in a loud voice when they reach out for something they should not touch. Depending on one's perspective of spanking or hitting children, the sharp "no," can be accompanied by a light tap on their hands.
This procedure requires persistence on the part of parents and will have to be repeated many times. Children are intelligent little creatures, though, and they will quickly learn that some things are just not for them to touch.
Depending upon the situation, short explanations can be given to the child. For example, saying, "no," and the words, "hot," and "owie," help children understand that they should not touch the top of the stove because they could get hurt. Holding something breakable and telling the child, "no," along with "pretty," and "look, don't touch," can assist in helping them learn that some things are just to be looked at, not played with.
The significant act is saying the word, "no," in a loud, obvious, and distinct voice that captures the toddler's attention, and to be consistent. Otherwise, the effort will be lost on the confused toddler who is told not to do something one day, yet allowed to do it the next.
The energy expended when children are younger, although it might seem exhausting at the time, is well worth the compliments you will receive when you can comfortably take your toddlers out in public and be confident that they know their limits.
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