The 7 Habits of Happy Toddlers

Toddlers, on the whole, aren’t always the best at controlling their emotions. They can, however, acquire behaviours that will help them be their happiest toddler selves, owing to a little parental guidance. Do you want to know more? Here are a few of a happy toddler’s habits.

They have the chance to express their feelings

Dutch parenting has long been cited as a model for creating the world’s happiest children, and one secret is that Dutch parents enable children to freely express their thoughts, even as young as infants. This not only teaches kids how to recognise and identify their emotions in a healthy way, but it also allows them to experience standing up for themselves, negotiating, and problem-solving in a secure environment at home.

The Center for Early Childhood Mental Health Consultation recommends practising guessing how characters in books are feeling, making puppets for different emotions, and labelling emotions you both feel throughout the day, such as “I feel sad when I can’t play outside,” or “I feel happy when I get my favourite toy,” to help your toddler learn how to name their emotions. It’s never too early to start recognising and expressing emotions.

They have parents that read to them

It doesn’t matter who it is – parents, carers, babysitters, even honorary aunts and uncles — as long as your child is hearing a nice storey read aloud to them. Make time every day to read to your toddler, even if it’s only for 10 minutes. According to studies, parents stop reading to their children far before the children want them to, so read aloud with them for as long as they want. You should also make it a point to read with your toddler every day, encouraging them to choose books they enjoy, discussing them together, and making trips to the library an enjoyable activity.

They give to others

Even toddlers, it turns out, may enjoy the glow that comes from doing a good deed. According to a 2012 study, toddlers who gave something away, especially if it was something they made themselves, were happier. Allowing toddlers to share their toys during a playdate might not be such a bad idea after all.

They get enough sleep

Toddlers aged 1 to 2 years old should obtain 11 to 14 hours of sleep every day, including naps, according to the American Academy of Sleep Medicine. This may appear to be a lot for some families, but start putting them to bed at a reasonable hour and prioritise naps if they plainly need them. A contented, well-rested toddler creates for contented parents.

They have a regular bedtime routine

Is there a special blanket? Check. Is it time for a bedtime storey? Is there a special song? Check. Whatever your nighttime regimen is, be sure it is regular. Don’t worry if your child has a complicated bedtime routine; research show that a consistent sleep routine is especially beneficial for young children’s mental health.

They play outside

It’s great to be able to play outside! Green space during childhood — or stepping outside into nature — has been linked to improved health, emotional well-being, and even success later in life, according to research.

Whiny, bored, and depressed children can frequently be cheered up by some good, old-fashioned fresh air, in case you missed the secret mom memo. Set aside time each day to get out into nature, even if it’s simply for a 10-minute walk or exploring the yard.

They engage in free play

Toddlers need free, unstructured play because it is not only exciting for them, but it is also how real work in their small brains gets done – essential behind-the-scenes brain development and learning about how the world works happens in toddlers’ free play.

Allow them to become bored and find something to play with on their own. Take a step back, mothers, and enjoy your coffee — and your break!

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