How to Negotiate With a Toddler

Your toddler may be tiny, but she̵7;s probably got some super-sized opinions and desires. Effective parenting of a young child includes negotiating to recognize budding independence and teaching your little one how to resolve issues and work with others. Use negotiation whenever possible as you interact with your toddler, and you may find your child cooperates more willingly with the directives you give her.

Instructions

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      Wait until your toddler is calm if he is crying or having a tantrum. Tantrums are common for toddlers, and your little one will probably not be able to focus on a detailed conversation while he̵7;s upset, warns author and editor Eleanor Reynolds, writing for "Earlychildhood News." You might say ̶0;I can hear how mad you are right now, but it is time to take a break for naptime. I̵7;ll wait with you until you̵7;re calm, and then we̵7;ll talk about it.̶1;

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      Agree with your youngster before you move on to negotiating, advises PBS Parents. Find something you and your little one can agree about before you try negotiating to forge a common ground. For example, you might say ̶0;I know you are really having a lot of fun with your zoo animals right now. Look at the lion family you have over here!̶1;

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      Explain your reasoning so your little one understands your perspective. This conversation might sound like ̶0;Napping helps you feel better so you can have fun playing for the rest of the day.̶1; Even toddlers can see reason if given the chance.

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      Find opportunities to meet your child halfway. Using the same example, you might say ̶0;How about if we sit together on the couch for a story before I tuck you in? We̵7;ll leave your zoo animals right where they are, and you can play with them again when you wake up.̶1;

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      Offer choices as a negotiating tool, advises the Zero to Three website. Choices can empower your little one and help her feel more cooperative. You might say "Would you like to read this book or that book before nap time?"

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