It’s no secret that being a parent is tough. No matter how prepared you think you are to have children, there will always be a million and one questions running through your mind at any given time. But don’t panic, if this sounds all too familiar to you, we’re here to help by giving you at least some of the answers to your questions. So without further ado, let’s take a look at five questions commonly asked by parents of toddlers.
1) Should I send my child to preschool?
Let’s start off by saying there’s no right or wrong answer here. It is absolutely your choice whether or not you send your child to day care or preschool and your decision will inevitably depend on a number of different factors including your work situation and your finances.
What we will say however is that there are some significant benefits to sending your child to day care or preschool. Some of these benefits include better social and emotional development as well as more opportunities for structured learning and academic development. Even if budget only allows for one or two days per week, you may want to at least consider sending your child to preschool so that they can benefit from these.
2) How can I get my kid to eat healthy?
Persuading a toddler to eat healthily is easier for some than for others. Every child is different and each child has their own likes and dislikes. Generally speaking however, if you start healthy habits from an early age, things will be a lot easier for you. Make sure you lead by example and eat a balanced and healthy diet whilst offering healthy options to your toddler early on.
If your child is resistant to healthy foods despite your best efforts, don’t be afraid to get creative with how you provide options. Instead of saying, please eat your broccoli… why not ask, what would you prefer… broccoli or tomatoes? Making them feel a part of the decision making process will help them to feel as though they are choosing healthy food instead being forced. Other options are of course to sneak healthy ingredients into food or making fun shapes out of healthy snacks.
3) How can I help my toddler to prepare for school?
Preparing your child for school isn’t about forcing spelling and maths tests on them, but rather about preparing them emotionally and socially for the experience. One of the best ways to prepare your child for the transition is by selecting a day care centre with an in-built school readiness program for preschoolers. This will help make sure they are equipped with the learning, social and emotional skills they need for big school/
4) How can I avoid the terrible twos?
We’re going to be honest with you here… there’s no way of completely avoiding the terrible twos. It’s a natural part of growing up for your child as they learn to understand and navigate the world. Whilst there are certain parenting techniques which will help make it a less bumpy road, the terrible twos is something most parents will have to cope with. You just need to stay calm, be patient, and remember that it’s just a phase!
5) Is it OK to let my toddler have junk food?
A little bit of junk food every now and again shouldn’t be a big deal for most children. A small amount of chocolate or a handful of crisps is fine but these shouldn’t not be the main focus of their diet. Their overall diet should consist of all of the nutrients and food groups they need to grow. So a little bit of naughtiness every now and again is fine, but try to keep it to a reasonable minimum.
Conclusion
Raising a toddler is as rewarding as it is challenging. From preparing them for school to encouraging healthy eating, it can often be an uphill slog. But fear not, you are definitely not alone. Perhaps the thing to remember is that the days are long, but the years are short. So despite the challenges and tough times, remember to enjoy every second of it whilst they’re young.
