At what age do children truly learn right from wrong? When did we learn about bad choices and good choices?
I’m that parent who doesn’t watch the news often and never around the kids. I’ve always felt that I want them to enjoy their childhood while they can. They have their whole lives to grow up and worry about the drama in our world. So first things first, knowing when it’s ok that you made a mistake at home, school, or even with friends, you can always talk with mom and dad.
Kindergarten was an emotional roller coaster for me. We learned that Aspen was being teased. For the first time, I was at a loss of how to help my child. I was anxious: Do I call the teacher? Do I call the parent of the bully? Do I remove her from the school? So many emotions rolled through my head and I wanted to make the best decision. Soon after, I learned that for me to understand the situation, Aspen needed to know she could talk to us about anything, no matter how bad or good. Open door policy, always.
Setting up time to talk to the teacher made a big difference. Keeping them aware of the situation, and ensuring that my child’s safety came first. It’s important the staff is aware of the situation and can take action. Things quickly turned around after bringing the situation to them.
I made the necessary changes for my child’s comfort. She now laughs at the idea of another student teasing her and eventually learned that the student was teasing her because he ultimately liked her. Hubbs better get ready because we are parenting a trailblazer that is going to do some major things in this world.
With Chandler just turning 3 years old, I find that it is still important for him to communicate with us. When I notice he is having a toddler meltdown or tantrum, I get him to talk through those feelings. I try to focus on him communicating whatever is bothering him at the moment. If he can tell us what’s wrong, we can come up with a solution on how to fix this issue. It’s still a work in progress, but today, he told me he was sad because he wanted someone to help him play the ToyStory game. I just smiled at him because I knew all my little talks with him were making progress.
How do you get your toddler to communicate with you when things are not ok?
First, I’m sorry your baby was being teased. I know you said that things got better, but I wish it never happened. Second, only one of my children is currently at the communication stage and I find a quiet place and let her talk. I let her take some deep breaths before she talks whether she’s crying or not and I tell her to start talking when she’s ready. I’ve found it best to let her take the lead so she doesn’t feel like I’m not considering how she feels.
HiKhy! Thank you for sharing. It sounds like you are on the right track. Happy mommying!
Yes, when my daughter was 2 years old I lived in a transitional home and we had to do mandatory counseling. I was grateful because It actually made our communication better so that she could talk about her father being in her life. I have kept open communication about her feelings and emotions and allowed her to have a crying moment when things get overwhelming or trigger her. We have maintained it and it has worked. She has even found ways to cope with herself so the overwhelming feeling of wanting to cry doesn’t stop her from sharing her feeling at that moment.
Audrey! You are a strong mama! Thank you for sharing 🙂 I love what you and your daughter share 🙂