Toddlers or Terrors: 4 Challenges Parents of Two-Year-Olds Face

& What You Can Do About Them!

If your child is between one and three years old, you will be in the thick of it where parenting is concerned. Yes, this is a magical age as your baby develops into a walking, talking person who begins to discover the world all around them. However, it's also very likely that they will be presenting some challenges during this time, which can be tricky for parents to navigate. The good news is that such challenges are normal and natural, and there are some tactics you can use to help you manage them better, making the toddling years a happier experience for both you and your little one. Just read on to find out what they are and how to approach them.

1. Picky eaters

One of the biggest challenges that parents have toddlers often face the problem of picky eating. When your child is a picky eater, you may struggle to get them to eat certain foods, to eat something other than their saved foods, and worry that they are not getting enough nutrition to fuel their mental and physical growth.

However, it's important to remember that picky eating is, in fact, a very natural stage for most children to go through. Indeed, it often has something to do with them starting to express their free will as individual humans and learn what they do and don't like to eat.

Now, having said that, it can be incredibly frustrating to be faced with a picky eater, especially when you are a caring parent who wants nothing more than to provide a child with a range of delicious and nutritious options. The key here really is to stay as positive as possible about all foods, and not make them eat the food you want them to eat. What this means is that you'll need to be incredibly patient when dealing with a toddler who is a picky eater. You'll need to provide them with plenty of opportunities to try new foods, and also not pressure them or act disappointed if they don't manage to eat them at that time.

Overall, it can be much more helpful to think about all of the different foods that your child is eating across the week rather than the inner single day. Remember that children's taste buds will change and mature, so foods they did not like last year, one month, may become new favourites. Finally, try to provide them with plenty of options from all the different groups, including proteins, fruits and vegetables, and fats, while also making sure they take good care of their mouth and teeth.

2. Sleep problems

Another common problem that many parents face when their children are in the toddler stage is difficulties with sleep. There are a range of issues that may be keeping your little one up at night, including things like teething, separation anxiety, and even that old classic overtightness.

However, because there is such a wide range of reasons children may not be getting full night sleep, it is important to identify the active causes of the problem in your child's situation. This is because not all solutions will fit every problem. Instead, once you have defined the problem, you will be able to research terms like two year two-year-old not sleeping online, finding expertly written and detailed posts. Then you will be able to access a range of resolution suggestions that can make bedtimes and nighttimes easier on both you and your child.

3. Tantrums

Tantrums and meltdowns are common with toddlers, especially around the age of two. Tantrums include a range of behaviour such as screaming, crying, shouting, throwing things, and we've been throwing ourselves onto the ground. The thing to remember here is that this behaviour is completely natural. After all, this stage with your child's development is not known as the terrible twos for nothing! The main issue here is that toddlers have not developed the skills to deal with situations in a reasonable manner. Instead, do everything to do directly to emotional outbursts, many of which can end up being tantrums.

One of the most important ways that you can deal with tantrums is to make sure that your child understands that being active in this way is not acceptable. It's important to do this in a calm, patient manner and not to react to the negative energy of the situation by getting angry at yourself. Instead, what you need to do is place your child in a timeout, where they are allowed to experience and process those feelings without screaming and crying. Sometimes it may take a little while for your child to calm down and begin to process their emotions in this way, but after some repeated practice of this time-out method, they should start to get the hang of it and understand that while feelings are natural and okay and melting down isn't.

4. Being obsessed with screens

One issue that parents and grandparents did not have to deal with is our toddlers' obsession with screens and screen time. Indeed, this obsession is not limited to our two-year-olds; the whole of society, from the youngest children to the oldest adults. However, it can be a particular issue with toddlers as young as two years old, as they cannot follow directions or regulate themselves like older children do.

With this in mind, it can be a good idea to limit the screen time your little one has. You may even decide to avoid giving them screen time until they are a little bit older and their brains are more developed. If you do choose to allow screen time, be sure that you set clear rules and expectations around it and are consistent. This means setting a max amount of time, and times in the day when it's acceptable to use screens. Of course, ensuring their safety and installing parental controls is vital. Last of all, I will be sure to include plenty of other fun activities and hobbies so screens do not become the only thing they rely on for fun and positive experiences.

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