5 Reasons Why Toddlers are challenging.
If you've ever been around a toddler, you know they can be challenging. They're loud and messy; they're always into something they're not supposed to be. But believe it or not, there are reasons behind their terrible behavior. Here are 5 of them.
1. They're testing boundaries.
From the moment they start walking and talking, toddlers are trying to figure out what they can and can't get away with. That's why they're constantly testing boundaries with their parents and caregivers. They want to see how far they can push before getting into trouble.
2. They're trying to assert their independence.
Toddlers are just starting to gain a sense of who they are as individuals and want to assert their independence at every opportunity. That's why they insist on doing things themselves, even when it's clear that they're not capable of doing them correctly.
3. They're exploring their emotions.
Toddlers are still learning to regulate their emotions, so they often go from happy to sad to angry in seconds. They're also still learning how to express those emotions in appropriate ways, which is why tantrums are so common at this age.
4. They're easily frustrated.
Toddlers have little patience and don't yet have the coping skills necessary to deal with frustration healthily. That's why they often lash out when things don't go their way or when they don't understand something.
5. They need structure and routine.
Despite their desire for independence, toddlers still need a lot of structure and routine in their lives in order to feel safe and secure. Without it, they can become overwhelmed and stressed, which can lead to even more terrible behavior.
While toddlers may be challenging sometimes, there's usually a reason behind their behavior. By understanding what's driving their frustrating behavior, you can help them (and yourself) get through these challenging years a little bit easier.
