How to Raise a Toddler When There Are Bad Influences in the Family

Raising a toddler is an exciting task filled with rewards and challenges. Parenting a toddler can be even more challenging when there are negative influences in your family. The toddler years are a time that your child should learn to trust primary caregivers. When caregivers are trustworthy, toddlers learn that the world is a good place and that their needs will be met. According to Dr. David Popenoe, a Rutgers University sociology professor, bad influences in the family can harm your child̵7;s psychological development and sense of security. Fortunately, you can successfully raise your toddler despite not-so-fantastic family influences.

Instructions

    • 1

      Develop a warm and caring relationship with your toddler. During the toddler years the primary caregiver is the most influential role in a child̵7;s development. According to an excerpt from "The Science of Adolescent Risk-Taking: Workshop Report," a 2011 report from the Institute of Medicine and the National Research Council Committee on the science of adolescence, a strong bond with your child now predicts a happier and better-adjusted childhood and adolescence for him regardless of other influences in his life.

    • 2

      Model good values for your toddler. Dr. Popenoe suggests showing him how to be kind to others and how to follow rules. When he disobeys a rule explain to him in simple language why his choice wasn̵7;t appropriate. If he starts mimicking his cousin̵7;s use of swear words, tell him that ̶0;we don̵7;t use those words.̶1; He will learn by following your example.

    • 3

      Expose your child to positive role models that he can trust. Seek out people that you admire and trust to build relationships with your toddler. Extended family, such as grandparents or aunts and uncles, can be particularly beneficial for your child. The Texas Women's University Counseling Center recommends introducing your toddler to a variety of positive influences, which will counteract the negative ones.

    • 4

      Terminate the relationship with the bad influences if they are too dangerous or toxic to be around your child. You cannot change other people̵7;s behavior, but you can change yourself and your relationships. You and your child may benefit from time away from toxic people in your family.

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