Even with the busiest of schedules, here’s how us parents (or grandparents) can know tap into the ideal times to connect with your teenager (or tweener), deal with teen issues or teen problems, and teach them. And, we can do all of this even with the busiest of lives and schedules. This is a different, but very effective way of thinking about “quality time.” It’s like practical quality time.
What I’m about to help you understand about parenting teens has been one of the best ways to make the most of those fleeting moments with our teens. It’s how to recognize and capitalize on the opportunities to instill those things you know they need in order to grow into responsible adults.
We all battle with busy schedules … running here and there … a million things to do … work, gym, meetings, laundry, phone calls, pick up this, drop off that. Even our kids get over-scheduled with school, sports, social outings, projects, etc. It feels like we need to be everywhere and do everything all at one time. How can we make time for the one things that is probably our biggest priority – our children – without losing the pace that we must run to make life happen?
The answer is to make the most of what I call “Teaching Moments” with your kids.
A teaching moment is just that … a moment … or two … where you find yourself in the perfect situation with your child to say something that will deeply impact them because the lesson is “organic” or “occurs naturally.” Keep reading as I’ll explain both later in this article.
So take, for example, the other night, when I walked out of my son’s baseball practice and smelled marijuana. Most of us parents would do one of two things at that point:
1. Ignore it
Brush it off for any number of reasons (not enough time right then to discuss, the child is too young, it’s too deep of a subject for where we are, etc.)
2. Make the most of the teaching moment
Take a few moments – maybe 5 minutes - and ask our child if (s)he smells it too … and there creates the perfect opportunity for a teaching moment because it is unfolding as you both experience it together.
This space for a teaching moment is incredibly powerful because the lesson isn’t another dreaded lecture coming from you, or another family meeting or planned happening. In other words, it comes up organically!
I recognized a possibly teaching moment immediately that night my son and I smelled marijuana! I knew this was the perfect teaching environment to slip in a little lesson about drugs, to see where they’re at with their knowledge or experience with drugs, and to ask and answer questions about drugs.
These “organic” teaching moments provide a richer learning experience that they can relate to because they’re feeling and experiencing it. These moments have more potential to open up a free flow of back and forth discussion and questions. What could be better!
My son and I had to walk from the baseball field to the car ANYWAY – what’s different is something happened in the environment and I capitalized on the moment to talk about it all the way to the car! We had to walk to the car regardless. But now he learned a little something about drugs from me in the meantime or was able to say what was on his mind with fewer barriers to entry to the topic.
A teenager is less likely to think of what you say to him or her at this time (your lesson) as another lecture or demand because you didn’t cause it. You both just happened to be somewhere and something came up; or something happened. You’ve got to look for these moments because they create the perfect, non-threatening environment where you can more easily and naturally talk about marijuana (or whatever).
What you say will be more effective because you did not force the issue and you’re both on a sort of level playing field where you’re experiencing something together. In this environment, what you say or ask will be more welcomed because the exchange of conversation between you is merely observing an event, what someone else said or did, or other happening that could spur any number of subjects to talk about – and teaching moments.
These are ideal connecting and teaching moments because the conversations and lessons tale place in the very moment they happen. The key is to talk or ask a question or two right then and there – as something is happening.
A teaching moment could come up at any time … on the way to the store with the kids in the car, when the news is on, when you’re walking to and from places with your kids, waiting for their doctor or dentist appointment with them, etc. You just have to be on the lookout for these moments and then not waste them!
Don’t worry that there may be times when you’re lesson doesn’t go through. Just keep trying! Since these moments do not originate from you, they are less threatening. Eventually, some or all of your teaching moments will make a dent.
Try this because believe me, it works. If it doesn’t at first, try it at another time. I can almost guarantee you that at one time or another, your child will let go and jump in with you. And then you can do your job as a parent and guide them into the adult you want them to grow into – one teaching moment at a time.
By: Paul L Hagen
To learn more, go to www.itsabouttime.com
How To Stop Your Toddler From Hitting Without Hitting Back!
If your toddler is hitting you or other people and you just don't know how to stop it – then I have you good tips for you! Many parents hit back and it's not the method I recommend you no matter what – he is only a child, not a criminal! Don't even think about spanking him – it will only add fuel to the fire!
First of all you have to understand that your toddler is hitting you or others not because he wishes to hurt someone, but because that it's probably the only way for him to make social contacts with people! Since he still probably can't talk then the best way for him to get attention is with physical contact!
Most of the times this simple method will work – just gram his little hands and don't him move for 10-20 seconds! Look him in the eyes and tell him that hitting is unacceptable for you! Most parents who use this method still do one mistake – they are not consistent! One time they will do it, another time they will scream at the child, third time they will ignore – you must repeat it time after time until your child learns!
You can also teach him other methods of communication. Tell him that if he wants something he can touch you gently. When he does it give him some sort of prize – ice cream, candy or a strong hug and kiss! That way he'll understand, after few times, what works better for him and use the gentle way to get attention!
One more thing – it's very important not to overreact. Since you do understand the real reason behind the hitting then you don't have to get angry! I hope I helped you, good luck!
First of all you have to understand that your toddler is hitting you or others not because he wishes to hurt someone, but because that it's probably the only way for him to make social contacts with people! Since he still probably can't talk then the best way for him to get attention is with physical contact!
Most of the times this simple method will work – just gram his little hands and don't him move for 10-20 seconds! Look him in the eyes and tell him that hitting is unacceptable for you! Most parents who use this method still do one mistake – they are not consistent! One time they will do it, another time they will scream at the child, third time they will ignore – you must repeat it time after time until your child learns!
You can also teach him other methods of communication. Tell him that if he wants something he can touch you gently. When he does it give him some sort of prize – ice cream, candy or a strong hug and kiss! That way he'll understand, after few times, what works better for him and use the gentle way to get attention!
One more thing – it's very important not to overreact. Since you do understand the real reason behind the hitting then you don't have to get angry! I hope I helped you, good luck!
By: Jackie Jhonson
Is your child hitting you or other children? Are you looking for a way to stop it? Discover now the best method to stop your toddler from hitting quickly and easily!
First of all you have to understand that your toddler is hitting you or others not because he wishes to hurt someone, but because that it's probably the only way for him to make social contacts with people! Since he still probably can't talk then the best way for him to get attention is with physical contact!
Most of the times this simple method will work – just gram his little hands and don't him move for 10-20 seconds! Look him in the eyes and tell him that hitting is unacceptable for you! Most parents who use this method still do one mistake – they are not consistent! One time they will do it, another time they will scream at the child, third time they will ignore – you must repeat it time after time until your child learns!
You can also teach him other methods of communication. Tell him that if he wants something he can touch you gently. When he does it give him some sort of prize – ice cream, candy or a strong hug and kiss! That way he'll understand, after few times, what works better for him and use the gentle way to get attention!
One more thing – it's very important not to overreact. Since you do understand the real reason behind the hitting then you don't have to get angry! I hope I helped you, good luck!
First of all you have to understand that your toddler is hitting you or others not because he wishes to hurt someone, but because that it's probably the only way for him to make social contacts with people! Since he still probably can't talk then the best way for him to get attention is with physical contact!
Most of the times this simple method will work – just gram his little hands and don't him move for 10-20 seconds! Look him in the eyes and tell him that hitting is unacceptable for you! Most parents who use this method still do one mistake – they are not consistent! One time they will do it, another time they will scream at the child, third time they will ignore – you must repeat it time after time until your child learns!
You can also teach him other methods of communication. Tell him that if he wants something he can touch you gently. When he does it give him some sort of prize – ice cream, candy or a strong hug and kiss! That way he'll understand, after few times, what works better for him and use the gentle way to get attention!
One more thing – it's very important not to overreact. Since you do understand the real reason behind the hitting then you don't have to get angry! I hope I helped you, good luck!
By: Jackie Jhonson
Is your child hitting you or other children? Are you looking for a way to stop it? Discover now the best method to stop your toddler from hitting quickly and easily!
Parenting Tip Toddler Discipline - Fussy Eaters
Your toddler could be a fussy eater and refuse to try a new food. More or less half of all toddlers fit this attitude, so it’s no wonder that food matters are source of worries for parents. Setting up healthy patterns of eating is very important to avoid problems like eating disorders and obesity later in life. Different strategies could help your child take a wider choice of foods. It can be necessary to give a food to your toddler as many as ten different times before they want to eat it. The problem is that lots of parents get discouraged and give up before the 4th or 5th try.
Here are tips you can do to get your toddler eat their foods.
1. Make the food you serve look interesting.
Try to make foods fun by including some differently colored foods on his plate. Colorful foods like raisins, carrot sticks, apples, cheese sticks, grapes, and crackers can all be fun and healthy foods for your toddler. Let them put in their minds that eating good food is important so they will grow strong and big, and how these foods will help them play longer and run faster.
2. Be a good role model.
If you are a fussy eater then your child can be a fussy eater as well. Children learn behaviors from their parents. If you limit yourself to narrow food choices, your child can mimic your actions and behaviors. Do not limit his/her food selection to only those foods you want. Your child’s tastes are different with yours, and maybe you are just giving them foods they don’t like. Try to be a good example and consider a variety of foods in front of him/her. It could motivate him/her to do the same.
3. Prepare the meal with your child.
Your child will be more likely to eat food he has helped to make.
4. Encourage self-feeding from a young age.
If your child is actively involved in eating rather than just sitting and receiving food from you, you can encourage your child to take an interest in the food being offered.
5. Find alternative food your child will eat from each food group.
If he/she does not like milk, try giving cheese or yogurt.
6. Ensure that your expectations are attainable.
Your child is not like you and you cannot expect him/her to eat like you.
7. Serve child size food.
Your child can ask for a second round! Generally give 3 small meals each day with a snack between those meals.
Try not to worry much, and keep in mind that unless a child is sick, they’ll eat. Children are good at judging their fullness and hunger signals. Stay relaxed during meal time and offer him/her a wide selection of foods, and most of all, remember to show a good example by trying a wide selection of foods yourself. You might find out you and your toddler share a new discovered favorite food!
By: Lara Nadezda
Here are tips you can do to get your toddler eat their foods.
1. Make the food you serve look interesting.
Try to make foods fun by including some differently colored foods on his plate. Colorful foods like raisins, carrot sticks, apples, cheese sticks, grapes, and crackers can all be fun and healthy foods for your toddler. Let them put in their minds that eating good food is important so they will grow strong and big, and how these foods will help them play longer and run faster.
2. Be a good role model.
If you are a fussy eater then your child can be a fussy eater as well. Children learn behaviors from their parents. If you limit yourself to narrow food choices, your child can mimic your actions and behaviors. Do not limit his/her food selection to only those foods you want. Your child’s tastes are different with yours, and maybe you are just giving them foods they don’t like. Try to be a good example and consider a variety of foods in front of him/her. It could motivate him/her to do the same.
3. Prepare the meal with your child.
Your child will be more likely to eat food he has helped to make.
4. Encourage self-feeding from a young age.
If your child is actively involved in eating rather than just sitting and receiving food from you, you can encourage your child to take an interest in the food being offered.
5. Find alternative food your child will eat from each food group.
If he/she does not like milk, try giving cheese or yogurt.
6. Ensure that your expectations are attainable.
Your child is not like you and you cannot expect him/her to eat like you.
7. Serve child size food.
Your child can ask for a second round! Generally give 3 small meals each day with a snack between those meals.
Try not to worry much, and keep in mind that unless a child is sick, they’ll eat. Children are good at judging their fullness and hunger signals. Stay relaxed during meal time and offer him/her a wide selection of foods, and most of all, remember to show a good example by trying a wide selection of foods yourself. You might find out you and your toddler share a new discovered favorite food!
By: Lara Nadezda
Teens And Cell Phone Activity - How To Trace It
If your teenagers are like most, they probably have their own cell phones. While giving your kid, 'tween', or teen is generally seen as a good idea nowadays, there are some obvious downsides to kids and teenagers having their own cell phones -- namely, it gives them a way to communicate with people, and sometimes access the internet, without your oversight. Fortunately, however, there are ways for you to keep tabs on your teens' cell phone activity if you feel you need to -- through cell phone forensics.
Cell phones, and the freedoms they give teenagers
Cell phones nowadays are not just portable mobile devices; most modern cell phones provide all-in-one phone, text, chat, video, photo, and internet browsing capabilities. With a relatively modern cell phone -- prepaid or otherwise -- your teen can be calling, texting, or chatting with anybody in the world, regardless of whether you approve of their activities or not. Unfortunately, unless you're controlling every facet of your teens' cell phone functionality and usage, there's a chance that this unfettered freedom could lead to unwanted problems in the near future or later on down the road.
Keeping tabs on your teens' cell phone activity with modern technology
For most parents, it should be relatively easy to find out the call history on your kids' cell phone. After all, the cell phone bill is probably in a parent's name, thus at least some of the cell phone activity will show up on the cell phone bill. However, when you need to find out details -- such as deleted text messages, deleted emails, and maybe websites being visited, or photos being stored -- a simple cell phone bill simply won't do. In cases like these, you'll need the help of a cell phone forensics investigator.
Cell phone forensics are based an older technology that has been adapted to work with today's digital devices. Not too long ago, recovering deleted files and 'hidden' information was reserved for computer hard drives, and it wasn't affordable for the average consumer. However, now these technologies -- which can be used to find information on basic cell phones to today's most complex mobile computing devices -- are more affordable, and quite frankly -- more in need than ever before.
Information available through cell phone forensics
Regardless of how your teen might try to hide it, there is a wealth of information available by a forensic scan of your teens' cell phone:
* Deleted SMS / text messages
* Deleted emails
* Deleted video / photos
* Detailed caller ID history
* etc.
If you implicitly trust your teenager, maybe there's no need to scan their cell phone for activities that you might not approve of. However, as you're reading this article -- you apparently think otherwise. If you want to know what your teenager has been up to on their cell phone, there's no better method available than through cell phone forensics services. Not only will you know what they're up to today, you'll also know what it is that they deleted yesterday as well.
By: Rick D. James
Cell phone forensics investigations are an affordable way to help protect your kids from today's dangerous situations. Visit our online investigation website or review EmailRevealer.com's popular services.
Cell phones, and the freedoms they give teenagers
Cell phones nowadays are not just portable mobile devices; most modern cell phones provide all-in-one phone, text, chat, video, photo, and internet browsing capabilities. With a relatively modern cell phone -- prepaid or otherwise -- your teen can be calling, texting, or chatting with anybody in the world, regardless of whether you approve of their activities or not. Unfortunately, unless you're controlling every facet of your teens' cell phone functionality and usage, there's a chance that this unfettered freedom could lead to unwanted problems in the near future or later on down the road.
Keeping tabs on your teens' cell phone activity with modern technology
For most parents, it should be relatively easy to find out the call history on your kids' cell phone. After all, the cell phone bill is probably in a parent's name, thus at least some of the cell phone activity will show up on the cell phone bill. However, when you need to find out details -- such as deleted text messages, deleted emails, and maybe websites being visited, or photos being stored -- a simple cell phone bill simply won't do. In cases like these, you'll need the help of a cell phone forensics investigator.
Cell phone forensics are based an older technology that has been adapted to work with today's digital devices. Not too long ago, recovering deleted files and 'hidden' information was reserved for computer hard drives, and it wasn't affordable for the average consumer. However, now these technologies -- which can be used to find information on basic cell phones to today's most complex mobile computing devices -- are more affordable, and quite frankly -- more in need than ever before.
Information available through cell phone forensics
Regardless of how your teen might try to hide it, there is a wealth of information available by a forensic scan of your teens' cell phone:
* Deleted SMS / text messages
* Deleted emails
* Deleted video / photos
* Detailed caller ID history
* etc.
If you implicitly trust your teenager, maybe there's no need to scan their cell phone for activities that you might not approve of. However, as you're reading this article -- you apparently think otherwise. If you want to know what your teenager has been up to on their cell phone, there's no better method available than through cell phone forensics services. Not only will you know what they're up to today, you'll also know what it is that they deleted yesterday as well.
By: Rick D. James
Cell phone forensics investigations are an affordable way to help protect your kids from today's dangerous situations. Visit our online investigation website or review EmailRevealer.com's popular services.
How To Get A Toddler Into The Bath Without A Tantrum
While some parents are lucky to have toddlers who take to water like a duck, for others, bath time often spells crying fits, temper tantrums and a traumatic time for all. Even if you are a parent with a child who loves playing in the bath, often the process of getting your autonomous child into the bath can present a challenge. Toddlers are learning lots of new things everyday and are often in a world of their own. Getting them to take a bath right this instant isn't quite as simple as saying, "Hayley, come take your bath now."
Until your toddler can respond to such requests willingly, here are some creative ways to get your toddler to take a bath. It might be worth noting that not all methods work all the time and sometimes a combination of approaches and some modifications are necessary. With a little trial and error, they should at least help to minimise the number of times that taking a bath ends up becoming a battle of wills.
1. Creative Suggestions
It's all in the marketing... Even little children respond well to creative marketing. Sometimes the way you phrase "bath time" can make all the difference between a toddler rushing to take a bath and one who steadfastly refuses to be "told what to do".
Here is an example: A toddler who enjoys Thomas and Friends might respond more eagerly to the phrase "let's go to the wash down so we can be a clean and shiny engine like James". Just in case you aren't familiar with Thomas and Friends, James is one of the engines who loves going to the wash down (the place where all the engines are cleaned), and he is also very proud of being shiny and clean.
Alternatively, rather than say "take a bath", you can talk about "playing with water" or even "playing with bubbles" because both suggest engaging in a fun activity that appeals to some toddlers.
2. Let's Play with Bubbles
All children love bubbles. Sometimes the mere suggestion of playing with bubbles is enough to bring a toddler running. If you can, try to entice your toddler with a bubble bath first. If that doesn't work, you will still have the leeway to increase the ante with more bubble fun.
For instance those bubble solutions where you can blow bubbles with a special looped stick might just do the trick.
Alternatively, you can invest in a bubble gun that shoots high speed bubbles with a minimum of effort on your part. Your toddler, who hasn't quite learned how to blow bubbles will also find the bubble gun more interesting since it is easier for a child to press a trigger than to learn how to blow bubbles. The ability to make their own bubbles can be more appealing to toddlers who enjoy exerting their independence.
3. Bath Toys and Water Games
Special bath toys like rubber ducks or boats can add an extra dimension of fun to bath time. These days, there are a myriad of bath toys you can purchase to engage little ones in the bath. You can also buy bath books and interesting, colour-changing toys.
Returning to our earlier example with Thomas and Friends and the trains, one example of a water game would be to get your toddler to "take his engines to the wash down for cleaning". While your toddler is busy cleaning his engines, you can bathe him.
Alternatively, there are plenty of water durable objects around the house that you can introduce into the bath. A fun and educational activity is to offer your child cups and small bowls in the bath to practice pouring water from one receptacle to another. This serves to fulfill your toddler's desire to learn how to pour liquids in a suitable environment that doesn't require you to clean up after.
Another activity that some toddlers might enjoy is getting into the bath with a t-shirt on and later "washing" the shirt in the bath. One mother whose daughter hated bath time found that the only way she could get her daughter into the bath was to put her in fully clothed and slowly remove her clothes after she was in the bath.
4. Pictures in the Bath
Sticking plastic stickers onto the walls of the shower cubicle or onto the bath tiles, especially of characters that your child likes, can also be another way to entice your toddler to take a bath more willingly. If you don't have or can't get stickers, you can laminate pictures cut out from magazines, toy catalogues, CD covers, etc. Tell your toddler to "wash" his friends to keep him occupied while you get busy with soaping and rinsing your toddler.
5. Sweet Rewards
Rewards usually work better with older toddlers that understand the nature of a reward. Some effective rewards are stickers, small toys, and sweet treats, especially the normally forbidden ones. Sometimes the promise of being able to do a special activity after the bath can be quite effective, too. For instance, "After your bath, you can watch Mickey Mouse Clubhouse."
Initially, when you are introducing the concept of a reward, you might have to offer a treat as a "taste test" then promise another one after the bath. When you toddler gets a hang of the idea, you can reserve all treats for after the bath.
6. Giving Options
Sometimes the objection to taking a bath is not necessarily the activity itself but the feeling of being imposed upon. This is especially important to a toddler who is learning to express autonomy over self. By offering an option and letting your toddler make a choice, you can still achieve an amicable end result.
Here is an example of offering an option for taking a bath: "Do you want to take a bath with the yellow bubbles or the blue bubbles?"
Sometimes negative options can work more effectively than offering a reward. For instance, "Do you want to take a bath now and watch Mickey Mouse after, or do you want to play for another ten minutes and have lights out after your bath?" Most toddlers don't like the thought of having to go to sleep and will try to avoid it almost as much - if not more so - than taking a bath.
7. Cleaning Up After Getting Dirty
Some toddlers have a natural predisposition to dislike getting dirty, although that fact itself may not stop them from engaging in fun activities that require them to get dirty. Allowing them to engage in these activities prior to bath time can be extremely effective in getting them to hop straight into the bath right after. For instance, finger painting is a fun and dirty activity that most toddlers enjoy, and washing up afterward usually brings a cooperative toddler to the bath, especially one that doesn't like to stay dirty.
With toddlers who dislike getting dirty, sometimes merely taking them to the mirror and pointing out food stains on their mouths or t-shirts can work as well.
Summary
There are many other ways to be creative about bath time and get a toddler's full cooperation. These suggestions and ideas might even help you think of other, more creative ways that suit your toddler's interests and temperament.
Although there may be times when it seems nothing you do can convince your willful toddler to take a bath without a tantrum, using tactics like these will help to prevent the majority of meltdowns.
Shen-Li is a stay-at-home-mum dedicated to the pursuit of excellence in parenting. She has a formal educational background and former work experience in healthcare. If you enjoyed this article, visit her blog Babylicious at figur8.net/baby and follow her as she learns how to raise a happy, confident and successful person.
Until your toddler can respond to such requests willingly, here are some creative ways to get your toddler to take a bath. It might be worth noting that not all methods work all the time and sometimes a combination of approaches and some modifications are necessary. With a little trial and error, they should at least help to minimise the number of times that taking a bath ends up becoming a battle of wills.
1. Creative Suggestions
It's all in the marketing... Even little children respond well to creative marketing. Sometimes the way you phrase "bath time" can make all the difference between a toddler rushing to take a bath and one who steadfastly refuses to be "told what to do".
Here is an example: A toddler who enjoys Thomas and Friends might respond more eagerly to the phrase "let's go to the wash down so we can be a clean and shiny engine like James". Just in case you aren't familiar with Thomas and Friends, James is one of the engines who loves going to the wash down (the place where all the engines are cleaned), and he is also very proud of being shiny and clean.
Alternatively, rather than say "take a bath", you can talk about "playing with water" or even "playing with bubbles" because both suggest engaging in a fun activity that appeals to some toddlers.
2. Let's Play with Bubbles
All children love bubbles. Sometimes the mere suggestion of playing with bubbles is enough to bring a toddler running. If you can, try to entice your toddler with a bubble bath first. If that doesn't work, you will still have the leeway to increase the ante with more bubble fun.
For instance those bubble solutions where you can blow bubbles with a special looped stick might just do the trick.
Alternatively, you can invest in a bubble gun that shoots high speed bubbles with a minimum of effort on your part. Your toddler, who hasn't quite learned how to blow bubbles will also find the bubble gun more interesting since it is easier for a child to press a trigger than to learn how to blow bubbles. The ability to make their own bubbles can be more appealing to toddlers who enjoy exerting their independence.
3. Bath Toys and Water Games
Special bath toys like rubber ducks or boats can add an extra dimension of fun to bath time. These days, there are a myriad of bath toys you can purchase to engage little ones in the bath. You can also buy bath books and interesting, colour-changing toys.
Returning to our earlier example with Thomas and Friends and the trains, one example of a water game would be to get your toddler to "take his engines to the wash down for cleaning". While your toddler is busy cleaning his engines, you can bathe him.
Alternatively, there are plenty of water durable objects around the house that you can introduce into the bath. A fun and educational activity is to offer your child cups and small bowls in the bath to practice pouring water from one receptacle to another. This serves to fulfill your toddler's desire to learn how to pour liquids in a suitable environment that doesn't require you to clean up after.
Another activity that some toddlers might enjoy is getting into the bath with a t-shirt on and later "washing" the shirt in the bath. One mother whose daughter hated bath time found that the only way she could get her daughter into the bath was to put her in fully clothed and slowly remove her clothes after she was in the bath.
4. Pictures in the Bath
Sticking plastic stickers onto the walls of the shower cubicle or onto the bath tiles, especially of characters that your child likes, can also be another way to entice your toddler to take a bath more willingly. If you don't have or can't get stickers, you can laminate pictures cut out from magazines, toy catalogues, CD covers, etc. Tell your toddler to "wash" his friends to keep him occupied while you get busy with soaping and rinsing your toddler.
5. Sweet Rewards
Rewards usually work better with older toddlers that understand the nature of a reward. Some effective rewards are stickers, small toys, and sweet treats, especially the normally forbidden ones. Sometimes the promise of being able to do a special activity after the bath can be quite effective, too. For instance, "After your bath, you can watch Mickey Mouse Clubhouse."
Initially, when you are introducing the concept of a reward, you might have to offer a treat as a "taste test" then promise another one after the bath. When you toddler gets a hang of the idea, you can reserve all treats for after the bath.
6. Giving Options
Sometimes the objection to taking a bath is not necessarily the activity itself but the feeling of being imposed upon. This is especially important to a toddler who is learning to express autonomy over self. By offering an option and letting your toddler make a choice, you can still achieve an amicable end result.
Here is an example of offering an option for taking a bath: "Do you want to take a bath with the yellow bubbles or the blue bubbles?"
Sometimes negative options can work more effectively than offering a reward. For instance, "Do you want to take a bath now and watch Mickey Mouse after, or do you want to play for another ten minutes and have lights out after your bath?" Most toddlers don't like the thought of having to go to sleep and will try to avoid it almost as much - if not more so - than taking a bath.
7. Cleaning Up After Getting Dirty
Some toddlers have a natural predisposition to dislike getting dirty, although that fact itself may not stop them from engaging in fun activities that require them to get dirty. Allowing them to engage in these activities prior to bath time can be extremely effective in getting them to hop straight into the bath right after. For instance, finger painting is a fun and dirty activity that most toddlers enjoy, and washing up afterward usually brings a cooperative toddler to the bath, especially one that doesn't like to stay dirty.
With toddlers who dislike getting dirty, sometimes merely taking them to the mirror and pointing out food stains on their mouths or t-shirts can work as well.
Summary
There are many other ways to be creative about bath time and get a toddler's full cooperation. These suggestions and ideas might even help you think of other, more creative ways that suit your toddler's interests and temperament.
Although there may be times when it seems nothing you do can convince your willful toddler to take a bath without a tantrum, using tactics like these will help to prevent the majority of meltdowns.
Shen-Li is a stay-at-home-mum dedicated to the pursuit of excellence in parenting. She has a formal educational background and former work experience in healthcare. If you enjoyed this article, visit her blog Babylicious at figur8.net/baby and follow her as she learns how to raise a happy, confident and successful person.
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