Parenting Tips for Your 21-22 Month Old Toddler
Your baby needs his family to love and nurture him, but how do you make sure that your family is happy and enjoys being together? Here are some ways to build and keep family members involved in each others’ lives:
- Develop family rituals. Find special ways to mark important events in your life. Set up a daily routine, such as saying goodbye before leaving the house, coming home from work, family mealtimes, or bedtime.
- Make time for fun. Family life is more than just chores and routines. Find time for fun, as a couple and as a family. Fun activities that offer plenty of time for you and your partner to communicate are a long walk, a bicycle ride, a picnic, or a trip to a place you’d like to visit.
- Reserve some “couple time.” Spend a little time with your spouse after your toddler goes to sleep, or before he wakes up in the morning. Plan evenings out with your partner. Find someone you trust to take care of your children, and plan time alone. Try to keep talk about the children and about work off limits.
- Keep passion alive. A satisfying relationship grows best when a couple nurtures sexual intimacy. A calming massage after a stressful day, a “thinking of you” note tucked away in a lunch, and gentle hugs can maintain that romantic connection.
- Listen when your partner talks. When either of you wants to talk, find a time and quiet place where you can give your undivided attention to each other. Listen and be willing to really understand what the other is saying. Ask questions or restate what you hear.
- Deal with conflict. Conflict is a part of almost every relationship. Even the most committed partners will disagree. Deal with the conflict, instead of ignoring it. Take turns and talk honestly about the issue. Listen to your partner’s side without interrupting, and try to understand each other’s feelings. Come up with solutions that are “win-win”. Both of you may have to give a little to find an answer that works.
Learn more about Your Toddler: 21-22 Months from Just In Time Parenting. You can also go to our Resource Links for additional information on child care and development.
