10/11/2025
Here is how to use these skills like weapons in the war-for-sanity:
The toddler years can feel like a slog, power grab, and tug-o-war all rolled into one cute bundle. Adding into your day can really turn the slog into something a little better.
1. Singing: use the same song to indicate certain transitions like, “twinkle, twinkle little star,” before bed or a short verse before eating. A good Disney song can be a good motivator for getting out of the door on time, too. Add in your favorite music as well because, after all, you’re building a family culture around 90s Country and Emo, right? Uhh, just me??
2. Movement and physical touch: from engaging finger games to swinging your child in a throw blanket like a swing it is all great for resetting on a mind-body level. Adult have things like somatic therapy but kids need something both physical and fun. The greatest hits in our house are turning our son into a burrito and eating him bite by bite (aka swaddling and kisses) and crawling around like animals.
3. Imagination: getting toddlers to do anything is probably the hardest job anyone could ever have! Using your imagination can help them complete actions in a way that seems fun and loving. In my house we often walk to the car like different characters or pretend we are looking for treasure when we are tidying
4. Humor and exaggeration: using humor on an appropriate developmental level changes the game. Pretending like you’re incompetent it’s always a hit! Exaggeration goes a long way with this set. When something goes awry, make it such a big deal that it seems silly.
Which one comes natural to you? Comment below!! I need to know!
