Toddler Advice & Parenting Tips – counselling support for parenting your toddler, managing tantrums and behavioural difficulties, separation anxiety, and fostering your toddler’s development – we can help
“I’ve always loved kids, and have been good with them. I just thought that they’d do what I ask them to. I didn’t realise there would be so much conflict and negotiating.” ~ Natalie, 32
“I get so angry. He just pushes my buttons when he doesn’t do as I ask.” ~ Elaine, 37
“I don’t really know what to do when she is screaming on the floor. If I try to get close to comfort her she hits and bites me. She tells me to go away. It doesn’t feel right to leave her but I trying to comfort her seems to escalate her upset.” ~ Jo, 33
Toddlers have quite a reputation! Two and three year olds are full of imagination and have sophisticated negotiation skills. They tantrum dramatically and are notoriously wilful. The common ‘battle of wills’ often leaves parents feeling exhausted, embarrassed and confused – “What is my child asking for? How am I meant to handle this situation?”
Many parents speak of feeling angry or enraged with their toddler at times. This can be very confronting. A strong protest from a toddler can trigger a strong protest in their parent.
Sometimes feelings of anger towards your toddler can intensify after having another baby. Somehow, with this new vulnerable, completely dependent newborn, your toddler may seem much more grown up and capable. It is common for parents to assign greater expectations for independence to a toddler when a newborn arrives.
These typical emotions, behaviours and relationship dynamics are all the more difficult if you or your partner is struggling with postnatal depression or anxiety.
Anyone with a toddler has wondered:
- Why is “No” every toddler’s favourite word?
- How can I encourage my toddler to co-operate?
- How can I help my toddler to feel secure with me and with others?
- What do I do when my toddler pushes my buttons and I feel angry?
- How do I respond to my toddler when he is consistently disobedient?
At the Centre for Perinatal Psychology, we understand toddler behaviour and the underlying states that drive it. We help you by exploring your relationship and providing you with a roadmap for identifying and understanding your toddler’s needs. We strengthen your capacity to read your toddler’s needs and respond in a way that minimises conflict and fosters their sense of self.
Common reasons for seeking help from us during the toddler years:
- Tantrums
- Behavioural difficulties – biting, hitting
- Separations
- Toilet training
- Sleeping arrangements
- Sibling rivalry
- Discipline
- Lack of enjoyment in parenting
- Feeling angry with toddler
- Unresolved postnatal depression or anxiety
- Desire to understand and foster the emotional life of your toddler
- Return to work considerations
Contact us Today
Find a psychologist near you that can help you with parenting your toddler. You can search by Location.
Call us on 1300 852 660 or contact us to make an appointment or enquiry.
