It comes as a surprise to most mummies when their baby suddenly starts becoming vocal about negative feelings. It may seem like your toddler’s favourite word has become ‘no’ and that he or she is voicing their dislike about everything from food to clothing.
You may also have noticed that your child has started hitting. This is their way of expressing their emotions, and their frustration. Of course, you may be hurt (emotionally) when your child hits you, but it actually means that they trust you enough to express their emotions, even the negative ones. It’s a good sign, although you will want to find more positive ways for your child to demonstrate those emotions.
Another way your toddler may be testing your patience in terms of negative behaviour right now, is to deliberately defy your instructions. You may tell your child not to do or touch something, and he or she looks you right in the eye, and does it anyway. The best way to deal with that kind of behaviour is to ignore it if possible. Any kind of response will only make your child do it more.
You may also have noticed that your child has started hitting. This is their way of expressing their emotions, and their frustration. Of course, you may be hurt (emotionally) when your child hits you, but it actually means that they trust you enough to express their emotions, even the negative ones. It’s a good sign, although you will want to find more positive ways for your child to demonstrate those emotions.
Another way your toddler may be testing your patience in terms of negative behaviour right now, is to deliberately defy your instructions. You may tell your child not to do or touch something, and he or she looks you right in the eye, and does it anyway. The best way to deal with that kind of behaviour is to ignore it if possible. Any kind of response will only make your child do it more.
