Hi Mumma, Pa, Daddy, and Maa! Sometimes, when we’re having so much fun outside, it can be tough to hear it’s time to go in. I might even run off because I don’t want the fun to end. But guess what? Learning about limits is super important for me, and you can help me understand them better. Here’s how we can do it together:
Show You Understand My Feelings
You know what makes me feel understood? When you recognize how I’m feeling. If I’m sad about going inside, you could say, “Wow, you really want to stay outside and play. I get it. I’m having fun out here, too.” This way, I know you understand me.
State the Limit and Stay Firm
Getting close to me and calmly telling me the limit helps a lot. You might say, “You can’t stay outside right now.” Sometimes giving me a reason helps, like “It’s dinnertime. We have to go inside.” If I still resist, you could give me a choice: “Would you like to walk or should I carry you?” This helps me feel involved in the decision.
Be Prepared for My Emotions
When you set a limit, I might have big feelings. It’s hard for me not to get my way, but these feelings help me learn about disappointment and how to handle it. Offering me a cuddle or hug and saying, “You don’t like this. It’s okay to feel disappointed,” helps me feel better. Once I calm down, we can move on together: “I think Papa put our plates on the table. Let’s see what he cooked for us.”
Learning limits helps me understand boundaries and how to deal with my emotions. Thank you for being patient and guiding me through this!
Keywords: toddler limits, setting boundaries, emotional regulation, toddler development, understanding feelings, setting firm limits