Is Yours a Happy Toddler - Part II

Posted by: Sharmila Rajah Post(s) by this blogger

 

Here is another list of guidelines that may help you in your quest to raise a happy child-

Communicate

If you want to know if your child is happy, it's pretty simple – just talk with him. More importantly, listen to what he has to say. Experts say open communication is essential in understanding your child's many moods.

Let them be

It's just as important to allow them to be unhappy. I sometimes find this hard to do cause when Ayanna feels sad, I'm quick to jump in, to try to help her fix her mood. I think I react the way I do fearing that I may have been the reason/ cause for her change in mood. But experts say otherwise - “ Children need to know that it's okay to be unhappy sometimes - it's simply part of life.” If we try to suppress any unhappiness, we may be sending the wrong message that's it's wrong to feel sad. Kids need to be encouraged to experience a wide array of feelings. Encourage them to express their emotions – it helps them get validated and you can talk about it.

Set an example

I try to make a constant effort to show Ayanna a more positive attitude no matter how difficult it can get sometimes. I've learnt from experience that Ayanna is sensitive and can take on my behaviour or moods. However when it comes to expressing my feelings, and negative emotions like anger, sadness I talk to Ayanna about it and why a certain something that she did or happened has caused such a feeling. Sometimes I think she may be too young to absorb it all but she tends to surprise me when she expresses herself in a similar way - “I'm sad there's no dog mummy” (if we were to visit the park, and there's no dog in sight).

Care to share your thoughts on this? How do you raise a happy child – any insights?