Decoding Toddler Behavior

No two toddlers are alike, but there are some things that they all do that can be frustrating to parents. Toddlers can communicate to a point with words, but not as well as adults. This can lead to some frustration on their part so they try to communicate in other ways. The problem adults can have is that they have a problem reading what their child is trying to say. If you learn about some of the common things they face each day, you can learn to read your child loud and clear even when they have not said a word.

You may have just gotten use to the sound of your baby crying and what each type of cry means before everything changes. They will still have a cry for hunger, wet diaper, and those simple things that you had to address when your child was an infant, but now your toddler behavior is changing because their needs are changing. As they change and grow, the way they communicate with you is going to change too. There may cry for hungry, but also cry for boredom, frustration, anger, not feeling well, because they can't reach a toy, and many, many other things.

Toddler behavior is much more complex than that of a baby, but remember that it is quite innocent as well. Children at this age are not manipulative and they are not doing things to irk you on purpose. Some parents see some toddler behaviors as true attempts to tick them off, but that is simply not the case. Children are innocent and so are their actions. If you remember this, you will have a much easier time decoding what your toddler is trying to tell you. They have a legitimate need that is not being met if they are going off the deep end.

Endless temper tantrums are the things of toddler behavior legend. They may be having this tantrum to get your attention, but remember it is because they can not tell you how they are feeling or they do not understand why you are not doing what they want you to do. You can try to explain, but it may make the tantrum worse, if you know the reason behind it at all. Not all children have these at two, some save them for four, five, or six. Look for the reason for the tantrum before you try to deal with it. That means you are problem solving and not reacting out of frustration and anger.

Remember that toddlers are going to explore anything and everything they see, and they have no idea what is good or bad, right or wrong. This is normal toddler behavior. This is when they start learning these things. They are going to grab anything within reach and do anything their little legs and hands will allow them to do. You may get tired of hearing yourself say no, but it is a word they need to hear. Most toddlers can not process a long explanation as to why they should or should not be doing something, so if you feel the need to explain, keep ti as short as possible. Discuss any troubling toddler behavior you may see with your baby's doctor if you think something else is wrong but otherwise enjoy watching them explore the world.