Why is My Toddler So Hard?
If there is one thing that parents of toddlers learn quickly, it’s to always expect the unexpected. Just because they insisted on having their toast cut into triangles for 3 days in a row, it does not mean that they won’t throw themselves onto the floor in a sobbing, snotty mess because you didn’t cut them into squares on the fourth day! As dearly as we love them, it can be exhausting catering to the wants and needs of a tiny three-foot-tall dictator who lacks basic social skills and quite literally believes that the world revolves around them!
Whilst their unpredictable antics and public meltdowns can leave us red-faced and close to tearing our hair out, the good news is that, not only is it entirely developmentally appropriate behaviour for their age, it also won’t last forever. The truth is, their little brains are still under construction, meaning the areas responsible for impulse control, empathy, and emotional regulation are still developing. They may be little people, but they experience big emotions. Unfortunately, they haven’t yet mastered the tools to understand or manage them and it’s our job to help them figure it out.
How Sensory Classes Can Help Toddlers Learn Social Skills and Emotional Regulation
One of the best things you can do for your little one, with regards to improving their social skills, is to enrol them in toddler sensory classes. Not only will you meet other parents navigating the turbulent tide of toddler tantrums, (no more worrying about being the target of judgmental stares), you’ll be giving your child lots of opportunities to learn and practice all important social skills such as sharing, taking turns, listening and following simple instructions. You know, the exact kind of things that will make them easier and more enjoyable to be around!
So, if you are struggling with your toddler, and finding their behaviour challenging, just know you are not alone. Toddlers are, by their very nature, self-focused and demanding, and still learning how to behave around others. Group classes where you can enjoy low-pressure, fun activities together are a great way to bond, not only with one another, but also with other children and parents. Got more than one child? Some programs such as Making Rainbows run classes for siblings designed with the whole family in mind. These sessions provide toddlers with the social outlet they need, whilst also allows older (or younger) siblings to connect and join in on the fun, learning experiences.
All we’re saying is, if there was a parenting manual, and a chapter on ‘Making It Through the Toddler Years with Your Sanity Intact,’ sensory classes would absolutely be in it. Less chaos, more connection, and a more peaceful home all round…well, most of the time!
