Most 1 year-olds will have similar episodes of frustrations, since they’re at an age when their desires often outpace their abilities. Most anything, a challenging jigsaw puzzle, a lid that won’t come off eaily, or someone who doesn’t understand his grunts can send a toddler into a tearful, body-thrashing tantrum.

You may find dealing with your child’s frustrations, well, frustrating. But keep in mind that his behavior signals a positive developmental step. At this stage, your child is learning that the world has limits, and there are things he can conquer and things he can’t. Often the best approach is to let your 1-year-old continue to try and try again. Don’t be so quick to jump into rescue him, even if he’s struggling. This may seem hard for you as a parent, but just as adults learn from their mistakes, so do toddlers. It’s natural to want everything to be perfect for your child but remember that children need to learn that instant gratification isn’t always possible. Experiencing frustrations teaches your toddler how to cope with obstacles, a valuable skill he’ll need for the rest of his life.

In addition, intervening may frustrate your child more. Be more patient and emphathetic when your child gets frustrated with a challenging task or toy. You might say, “I know you’re trying trying ver y hard to put the puzzles together and you feel angry that the pieces don’t fit.” This will help give him vocabulary to interpret his feelings. By contrast if you tell your toddler that the pieces are fitting nicely (when clearly they’re not) you’re insulting his judgement. Dismissing his frustrations may only upset him more. Your support will eventually teach him that persistence pasy off.

Great recommended reads from around our network?

Hugs and kisses for mommy and daddy

 Setting limitations

 Bye bye bottle

There’s a lot of changes when your infant finally becomes a toddler. His unfamiliar desires, needs and abilities suddenly makes you feel anxious. The following insights will somehow make you understand what your toddler would really like you to know.

• I Know how!

Whether it’s pouring her cereals, fixing her bed or doing a dozen daily tasks, your toddler wants you to understand that she can do it by herself. After she mastered walking, her sense of competence and autonomy was developed. So if she says “Mama I can do it”,  let her do it! It teaches them to be responsible

• Limitations

Toddlers are easily overwhelmed by new situations, so they need a structure “every single day”. You need to be consistent with what they can and cannot do. But make sure that you’ve explained clearly to them why they’re not aloud to do some things.

• Picky eater

It’s normal for your toddler to be choosy with food. But make sure that she eats a couple of items from each food group, and she’ll be fine. Let her enjoy eating her favorite dish. Do not force your child to eat something that she doesn’t like.

• Never get tired of answering

At this stage, toddlers will develop their communicating skills. They will start asking, Why is the sky blue?, Why is your dress red? or Why do I need to eat that? Don’t get tired of answering their questions because It’s all new to her. She’s curious with a lot of things, so be patient.

• Wild imagination

Your child’s imaginations soar, so does her fear, anxieties and nightmare. Don’t belittle them and don’t take for granted their feelings. If your child says “There is a monster inside the closet!” this is because of her imagination. It’s your responsibility to talk to her. Teaching your child how to pray will help her a lot.

These are just few points that you need to know as a parent. Learning to understand your toddler seems hard. But with great determination you’ll surely enjoy every moment with your precious child.

Great recommended reads from around our network:

Why are toddlers picky eater?

Keeping safety updated through the toddler years

Let them eat carrots