Parenting Tips for Your 15-16 Month Old Toddler
Studies of families have learned what parents did to encourage their children to be cooperative. The studies showed that parents usually try to teach or guide toddlers in one of two ways: by using power or by giving children reasons for why they can’t or shouldn’t do something.
- Using power includes hitting or spanking, use of force, and taking away objects or privileges. It also includes withholding affection or refusing to speak to the child.
- Giving the child reasons means explaining in simple ways, that the child can understand, why she should behave in certain ways. It is pointing out that the forbidden actions could hurt her or harm others.
For example, if your child throws sand at other children, using power might be yelling at her or hitting her. Giving reasons might be telling her that throwing sand could hurt other children, and she must stop.
Parents who gave children reasons for rules were better able to guide their children’s behavior and help them learn to be cooperative. Over a period of time, giving reasons builds respect between the parent and child. It also teaches children how to use reasons with their friends.
