Parenting a ToddlerParenting a toddler (a child age 1 to 3 years), can be both fun and challenging. Fun, because children are so cute and funny at this age. 
It’s challenging because toddlers each come with their own set of toddler challenges.But the thing that makes a difference in loving or hating parenting a toddler is all in how you handle these challenges. Am I right? Toddler years can be filled with trials like potty training, temper tantrums, terrible twos, picky eating habits, and learning how to discipline. These are some of the biggest challenges I have encountered as a mother so far! I believe that most of the challenges parents have in parenting a toddler can be traced to communication. Kids don’t always express themselves clearly at this age, do they? They want to be heard and sometimes we don’t want to take the time to listen! It can take a lot of time and patience to do just that – LISTEN. During this toddler phase, toddlers also like to have attention. I would imagine if most toddlers could have it their way, you’d be following them around watching their every move all day. Unfortunately, we can’t do this! We have jobs and laundry and dishes and cooking and on and on. So, the attention given to our toddlers seems to come in little snippets of time, if at all. Here’s my advice: It is VERY important to take the time to make eye contact, listen and watch – intently – meaning no other distractions. HOW? I have found that if I will give my toddlers 10 minutes of my completely devoted time, and then transition them to another activity that doesn’t involve me, I can get at least 30 minutes (and sometimes more), without whining, tantrums or clinging.Every time they want your attention, try to give them at least 10 minutes. I’m not saying that 10 minutes is all the time you should ever give. Or that 10 minutes is ALL the time you should spend with them each day. After all, they are the number one (or number two, if you are married) priority in your life, right? Spend several 10 minute (or longer) increments throughout the day with your child. Get to know them. Learn to understand them. 
Try it! I think you will find that you actually enjoy these 10 little minutes with them and your toddler will become more calm throughout the day, knowing that when they really need your attention, you’ll give it to them.Not sure how to spend quality time with your toddler? Talk to them, sing songs, play games or make a craft. I don't know a toddler who doesn't LOVE doing these things. Parenting a toddler is hard. It’s easy to get frustrated in trying to accomplish other things besides parenting while being interrupted a gazillion times. I don’t know about you, but sometimes I forget that parenting is #1 and that hobbies, housework and bills, however important, should always come later. If you’re like me, you chose to be a parent and in doing this, you choose to devote this time to your children. This takes some putting away of selfishness and maybe even putting your interests and pursuits on the back burner for a time. I’ve heard…that the day will come when they won’t want your attention as much anymore. The day will come when they will not say, “Mom, mom, mom…” fifty-nine million times a day. The day will come when they won't need you to kiss all their bumps and "owies." And the day will come when they won’t want to climb up on your lap for a story or just to be rocked. Seize the day… Return from Parenting a Toddler to Home PageToddler Development Potty Training Terrible Two'sPicky Eater Spanking Children
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