Helping with Positive Enforcement

Toddlerhood is a frustrating time of transition (starting at about 15 months old and lasting a year or more). Toddlers are often cranky because they want to get what they want, when they want it — which is immediately.

During this difficult period, many toddlers behave impulsively and sometimes use poor judgment. Their healthy dose of curiosity leads them to try out all sorts of behaviors to see "What will happen if…?" Your youngsters may pull out all the interesting wrappers in a big bag of garbage left on the floor to explore their colors and textures. They may tug on the corner of a tablecloth and thereby, alas, topple some breakable dishes.

There is also the issue of them being at the mercy of the grown-ups! The adults decide when bedtime is. They decide what foods to serve. They lift toddlers up for diaper changes just when they were enjoying throwing all her blocks around the room in nice scattered patterns. No wonder your kids want to run all day rather than be pinned down by strong adult arms for a diaper change.

But your little ones are also proud of their struggles to master more mature behaviors, such as waiting patiently for a meal or patting a kitty gently rather than pulling its tail.

This is the time to encourage them through positive comments and quiet but sufficient praise.