Tips for Positive Toddler Behaviour The toddler years are a time of incredible growth, but they are often nicknamed the "terrible twos" for a reason! As your little one discovers independence, limits are often pushed, leading to those tricky moments like tantrums, whining, and selective listening.
At First Steps Nursery , this month’s blog explores how shifting your focus from stopping bad behaviour to celebrating success is the most powerful tool a parent can use for positive guidance. For more information, call us in Grimsby on 01472 352 524 .
Catch Them Being Good It’s easy to focus our energy on stopping negative behaviour, but positive attention is an even stronger motivator. When you see your child doing something good, pause and praise them specifically.
Remember to go beyond a simple "Good job!" and try phrases like, "I love how you are sitting so nicely while you wait for your dinner," or, "Thank you for putting your blocks back in the box, that was so helpful!" Being specific shows your child exactly which actions you value and encourages them to repeat them, building self-esteem and reinforcing positive habits.
Connect Before You Correct Before you try to correct challenging behaviour, take a moment to connect with your child. Often, misbehaviour is simply a signal that they need attention or connection. We recommend spending 10-15 minutes a day doing "special time", an activity chosen entirely by them, with no distractions.
When their emotional "tank" is full, they are often calmer, more cooperative, and better equipped to handle frustration and follow directions.
Keep Rules Simple and Visual Toddlers have short memories and are still developing language skills. Simple, consistent rules are key to helping them understand and succeed. We advise focusing on a core few rules related to safety and respect, such as 'Gentle hands,' 'Inside voices,' and 'We walk on the path.'
Use simple drawings or pictures of a quiet mouth or gentle hands at home, these visual cues are often much more effective than long verbal explanations.
Contact First Steps Nursery Grimsby Ltd For more information about our approach to early years development, contact First Steps Nursery. Call us on 01472 352 524 . Alternatively, send us a message via our contact form and we’ll be in touch.
