How to Handle a Toddler Acting Out in Daycare

Children display a wide array of behavior in school and at home. A lot of factors trigger these behaviors and stems from different things, like seeing their parents argue. Some kids think that they caused the arguments and bring those thoughts to daycare centers.

What to do with a toddler acting out in daycare?

A toddler acting out in daycare means a lot of things depending on the point of view. But first, don’t stress yourself about it. Acting out does not necessarily mean that parents can just sit back and accept everything the toddler throws at them. This phase in their lives teaches them about discovering things on their own, mimicking the people around them, and exploring the world.

Here are some tips that parents can follow to manage their toddler’s bad behavior at daycare.

Talk with them, one on one

What triggers the toddler to suddenly act badly at daycare? At times, toddlers goof around during their classes and disregard what their teacher gave them to do. If they had a bad day, avoid forcing them to open up to you and just let them have their own time first.

Give them their timeout and let them breathe.

Repetitively asking the toddler what happened does not teach them to resolve things on their own. They depend on their parents and teachers for resolution. Let them understand why the teacher reprimanded them or why they called their parents.

When parents give toddlers their time off, it teaches them to reflect on what transpired during the day. Then, parents can slowly converse with them without enduring tantrums. Also, parents can start sharing these with their toddlers:

• Tell them about empathizing with the people around them. Let them identify which behaviors annoy them from the start.
• Identify the bad behavior they do to others and tell them the consequences of doing these actions.
• Inform and guide them to improve their behaviors, such as politely conversing with adults as well as their teachers and classmates.

Cultivate respect in conversing with them

Children play all the time with their classmates, friends, and siblings. Sometimes, their playtime gets rough and they end up fighting with each other. When parents witness this rowdy behavior, they immediately switch to the disciplinarians they are and scold their children quickly. That causes further turmoil in the household and discourages communication within the family.

To avoid these kind of situations, parents can coordinate with the daycare staff and let them mediate between the children. Then, they can ask for suggestions on how to deal with their toddlers. Teachers can suggest to treat them with the same respect they give to any of their friends or colleagues. Basically, treat them as equals.

Refrain from using these phrases:

• I’m warning you, stop.
• Stop doing this, now!

Instead, use these phrases to make toddlers feel you acknowledge their emotions:

• “Theo, I observed you pinched Callie a while ago. It might not bother her yet, however, please tell me if she did something to upset you.”
• “Instead of punching your brother for that toy, let’s begin with telling me what bothers you right now.”

Using a friendlier tone and words helps toddlers understand that their parents want to listen to them. Remember to ask how they’re feeling before telling them what to do.

Acknowledge the child’s good behavior

Most of the time, parents forget to acknowledge their children for their good behavior at home and in school. Teachers give toddlers stars or stamps that symbolize they performed well. If children feel their parents neglect them, this can cause them to act out in daycare just to make their parents notice them. They long for attention and validation.

Now, to prevent their bad behavior, parents need to praise their children’s behavior. When children wait in line without wandering off, parents can reward them with either a toy or kind words. When kids grab their own food, tell them they’re doing a great job being independent.

Take note that nurturing good behaviors is easier than challenging inappropriate ones.

Develop a good relationship with daycare teachers

When toddlers begin preschool or daycare, they meet a lot of people, especially their teachers. For toddlers, teachers are their parents in school and connecting with their teachers results in more fun at school.

Parents may tell children that their teachers help them with their academic challenges and nurture them. Teachers make children feel safe and comfortable in school, all the time.

Some parents may do these:

• Ask about activities that the teacher plans on doing.
• Let the toddler bring a gift to the teacher.
• Enthuse them about participating in different school activities.

When a good relationship exists between parents, toddlers, and teachers, bad behavior gets debunked and positive behavior gets reinforced.

Check out the different classes at daycare

Various classes exist in different daycare institutions. These cater to the different needs of the children to improve their skills in different aspects. However, some parents can stay at the school and check on their toddlers to see how they’re doing. This allows parents to know how their child behaves in school. It also allows parents to get feedback and share suggestions about different school policies.

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Parents wonder how to manage a toddler’s bad behavior at daycare, especially when they drop them off. Some toddlers struggle with knowing their parents went away for a few hours and act out in daycare. Teachers do their best to prevent this ill behavior. Imagine Nation Learning Center shares these tips for preschool parents to help curb bad behavior among toddlers.

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Top 3 Recipes to Make for National Chocolate Cake Day

Throughout the year, people celebrate a number of different holidays. Be Black Friday or Thanksgiving, people have assigned almost every single day to any holiday that they could think of. But what’s so special about chocolate to have a day for it?

Chocolate, just like wine, is fermented. This happens when farmers harvest cacao pods, clean them, free them from the white material, and dry them out. Cacao beans undergo the process of fermentation. Little by little, the papery shell gets removed and reveals the cacao nibs. Afterwards, chocolatiers grind them into a cocoa mass and separate it into solids and butter. Others then process the mass and mix in milk and sugar. Some transform it into white chocolate by just using chocolate butter, milk, and sugar. People celebrate National Chocolate Day every October 28! Remember to mark that on your calendars as it’s a very chocolatey day!

What recipes can you try for National Chocolate Day?

A lot of people wonder how to incorporate chocolate into almost anything that they eat. Now, we have these three (3) recipes that you may try in order to celebrate this very chocolatey day!

Chocolate Chip-Date French Toast

Ingredients

For the French toast:

• 6 large egg yolks (save the whites for your ultra-healthy breakfast tomorrow!)
• 1 1/2 cups whole milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 cup fresh orange juice
• 1 teaspoon grated orange zest
• 2 tablespoons packed light brown sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon garam masala
• Kosher salt
• Unsalted butter, for frying
• 1 small loaf challah bread, sliced 1 inch thick
• Small handful of semisweet chocolate chips
• 4 dates, pitted and chopped

For the syrup:

• 1/2 cup pure maple syrup
• 1 teaspoon bourbon

Directions

1. Make the French toast: Whisk the egg yolks, milk, vanilla, orange juice and zest, brown sugar, cinnamon, garam masala and a pinch of salt in a large glass baking dish.
2. Preheat the oven to 200 degrees F. Put a wire rack on a baking sheet and place in the oven.
3. Set a large skillet over medium heat and add 1 tablespoon butter. While the butter melts, prick a few holes on each side of a slice of bread with a fork. Lay it in the egg mixture and, using either a fork or your hands, push the bread into the egg mixture so the bread loosens up a little and soaks up the liquid. Flip and repeat.
4. Using a slotted spatula or tongs, pick up the bread, allowing the excess egg mixture to drip off, and lay it in the hot pan. As the first side is cooking, 2 to 3 minutes, push chocolate chips and chopped dates into the soft, uncooked side of the bread. Be assertive! Then flip and cook 2 to 3 more minutes. Remove and set on the rack in the oven to stay warm. Repeat with the remaining slices of bread, adding more butter to the pan if needed.
5. Meanwhile, make the syrup: Combine the maple syrup and bourbon. Warm it in the microwave, if you want. (You can make the syrup the night before; store in a jar in the fridge, then warm before serving.)

Chocolate Lasagna

Ingredients

• 36 Oreo cookies
• 6 tablespoons butter, melted
• 1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
• 1⁄4 cup granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons milk, cold
• 1 (12 ounce) container Cool Whip, divided
• 2 (4 ounce) packages chocolate instant pudding
• 3 1⁄4 cups milk, cold
• 1 1⁄2 cups mini chocolate chips

Directions

1. Begin by crushing 36 Oreo cookies. I used my food processor for this, but you could also place them in a large ziplock bag and crush them with a rolling pin. When the Oreos have turned into fine crumbs, you are done.
2. Transfer the Oreo crumbs to a large bowl. Stir in 6 tablespoons melted butter and use a fork to incorporate the butter into the cookie crumbs. When the butter is distributed, transfer the mixture to a 9 x 13 inch baking dish. Press the crumbs into the bottom of the pan. Place the pan in the refrigerator while you work on the additional layers.
3. Mix the cream cheese with a mixer until light and fluffy. Add in 2 Tablespoons of milk and sugar, then mix well. Stir in 1 and 1/4 cups Cool Whip. Spread this mixture over the crust.
4. In a bowl, combine the chocolate instant pudding with 3 and 1/4 cups cold milk. Whisk for several minutes until the pudding starts to thicken. Use a spatula to spread the mixture over the previous cream cheese layer. Allow the dessert to rest for about 5 minutes so that the pudding can firm up further.
5. Spread the remaining Cool Whip over the top. Sprinkle mini chocolate chips evenly over the top. Place in the freezer for 1 hour, or the refrigerator for 4 hours before serving.

No Bake Chocolate Oat Bars

Ingredients

• 1 cup butter
• 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 3 cups quick cooking oats
• 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
• 1/2 cup peanut butter

Directions

• Prep: 30 m
• Ready in: 3 h 30 m

1. Grease a 9×9 inch square pan.
2. Melt butter in large saucepan over medium heat. Stir in brown sugar and vanilla. Mix in the oats. Cook over low heat 2 to 3 minutes, or until ingredients are well blended. Press half of mixture into the bottom of the prepared pan. Reserve the other half for topping.
3. Meanwhile, melt chocolate chips and peanut butter in a small heavy saucepan over low heat, stirring frequently until smooth. Pour the chocolate mixture over the crust in the pan, and spread evenly with a knife or the back of a spoon.
4. Crumble the remaining oat mixture over the chocolate layer, pressing in gently. Cover, and refrigerate 2 to 3 hours or overnight. Bring to room temperature before cutting into bars.

Hopefully, this makes your National Chocolate Day more sumptuous!

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5 Effective Ways to Handle Toddler Tantrums at Bedtime

Are you struggling to tuck your little one in for bed every night? You are not alone! Most parents agree that one of the most challenging things about raising a toddler is dealing with their tantrums, especially bedtime tantrums. Why do our toddlers throw tantrums anyway? How are we supposed to deal with this behavior?

Tantrums are perfectly normal for kids between the ages 1 and 3. It is a normal part of their development. At their age, their language skills are just starting to develop. They are beginning to explore the world and try to gain control over their environment. Because there are times when they discover that they can’t always do what they want, they will throw a tantrum.

Wondering how to deal with toddler tantrums at bedtime?

Read this article for some helpful tips.

Set expectations

One of the things young kids hate the most is being surprised into ending their day, especially when they are still having fun. They want to be in control and telling them to go to bed in the middle of their enjoyment isn’t such a good idea. What you can do instead is to set their expectations and describe how the rest of the day will look like. For example, you can tell them that after dinner, they can watch television for a bit or play with their toys. Then they have to brush their teeth, take a quick shower, put on their pajamas and be ready for bed. Be sure to follow through the plan instead of just talking about it. Once you have established a routine and followed through it consistently, putting them to bed will no longer be a struggle.

Give them choices

Giving your toddler choices does not mean allowing them to decide when to take a nap and when to go to bed. Offering choices means letting them make a choice about some parts of bedtime. For example, you can ask them which pajamas to wear, or which bedtime stories to read. Doing this will help their growing sense of independence because it makes them feel they are actually in control of something.

Use cuddles to ease separation

Another reason why kids throw bedtime tantrums is separation anxiety. What some parents don’t know is that the hours their children are apart from them actually feel long. Ease separation anxiety by spending more time on snuggling before sending them to bed. Read them a book, play a little and just spend a few minutes to make them feel comfortable and secure.

Stay calm

A toddler throwing tantrums is enough to make any parent’s head explode. But do not give in by showing how distressed you are when they melt down. Instead, try to remain as calm as possible. Easier said than done, but it’s an effective way to make your little one know that they won’t get a rise out of you. This will also make them calm down faster. Make sure to remain firm and calm. Don’t give in to your child’s demands simply because they are throwing a tantrum. Also, don’t push back or bend the rules once you’ve said them. If bedtime is set to 8:00, do not cave in and stick to the schedule.

Offer a comfort toy

Sleeping in an empty bed can feel lonely for your child. This is one of the possible reasons why they could be throwing tantrums before bedtime. What you can try to do is to give them a comfort toy that could convince them to go to bed. It can be a new stuffed animal or a pillow or blanket with the print of their favorite cartoon character. Having something to tuck into bed with should do the trick of disrupting toddler tantrums.

If you have been trying to find ways to deal with toddler tantrums, worry no more! These helpful tips are the answers to your dilemma. Remember, toddler tantrums are just a normal part of a child’s development and knowing how to handle them better will benefit both you and your little one.

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And if you are looking for other ways to help foster your child’s sense of independence and future success, provide them with a good quality early childhood education. Enroll them in Imagine Nation Learning Center. Please feel free to give us a call for more information.

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5 Uncommon Ways to Stop Toddler Power Struggles

Some parents struggle with their toddlers who throw tantrums. Toddler power struggles make most moms feel powerless  to keep up with their children’s attitude. Some wonder what could they possibly do to prevent this and communicate with toddlers properly.

What causes toddler power struggles?

Every human being longs for a bit of power, socially and emotionally. Before children reach the age of two (2), they possess little sense of their own self. Most say that parents and children become one, especially from the child’s perspective. However, as the years go by, the child begins to learn that they’re separate from their parents. They observe how their parents interact with other people and react to what they see. This includes reacting to power struggles among the adults. Children see it and sometimes copy it on their own.

How to stop toddler power struggles?

When parents encounter power struggles between their toddlers, they want to resolve it without scolding their children. They set limits that are vital to their growth. For parents, you should manage the situation without ending in a big fight. Even if you strive to put the situation under control, remember to make your children feel respected.

The following include tips on managing toddler power struggles.

Enthuse toddlers about problem solving

Toddlers wonder why their parents reprimand them about fighting with their siblings. Hence, parents encourage their children to resolve problems together. They learn about each other’s side of the story and try to find a solution for the problem.

Remember to talk with your kids about certain things. If you disagree with them at first, try to find another solution. Raising your voice to toddlers won’t resolve anything and, in turn, toddlers will fear you.

Give them options to choose from

Toddlers reach a phase in their lives where they begin making choices, especially if they begin discovering themselves. This phase shocks them and may overwhelm them when they learn about the other things they are capable of doing. During this exploration stage, they experiment with different things, especially with what they are capable of doing. When they learn how to clap or use their hands as a musical instrument, they try to clap or bang the table. Consequently, parents get annoyed and try to pacify them by telling them blatantly that they need to stop doing it. Some toddlers tease their parents and continue exploring the new skill they discovered.

One of the things a parent can do to prevent power struggles is present different choices the toddler may choose from. Before presenting these options, remember these:

• Present only two (2) options. When parents give them more than two, this confuses them and makes···· them feel overwhelmed with the decision they need to make.
• Remember child-friendly options. Parents think that any option may be a good substitute, however, these are toddlers, so pick options that are suitable to them.
• Choose the situation to present these options. Not every situation at hand needs options for toddlers to choose from. There are times that parents need to pick for the toddlers.

Distinguish and identify the toddler as a different person

Some parents identify their children as miniature versions of themselves. Primarily, toddlers aren’t controllable like toys and can’t be turned on and off. When parents raise their children, they see themselves but they’re completely unique from each other.

When it comes to eating, toddlers prefer different kinds of food than their parents. Just as when dealing with other toddlers or choosing their toys. When you talk to your toddlers, remember the choice of words and tone you use. Avoid using words you use to talk with adults like your spouse, friends, or strangers. Your toddler grasps whatever you do.

Have some time out

For some instances, parents fail to resolve conflict easily. It all ends up with a time out. A time out doesn’t always mean just letting things be. This is a time that they calm themselves down before talking to each other again.

Try taking the perspective from a toddler’s shoes

When toddlers throw tantrums, sometimes it means that they want to be noticed or taken seriously by their parents. When parents raise their voices with toddlers, they don’t notice how much this changes the toddlers’ perspective about their parents.

Parents need to think about how their toddlers are feeling and look at things through their toddlers’ eyes. When you look through things from their perspective, it makes them feel that you listen to and understand them. This prevents power struggles as you communicate with them properly.

Imagine Nation Learning Center shares other ways to discipline a toddler without resulting in stress for their parents. Parents try various ways to resolve power struggles with their toddlers in order to live harmoniously. When you need a preschool for your toddlers to develop their mental and social skills, consult with Imagine Nation Learning Center and learn about their programs.

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5 Tips for Parents with a Clingy Toddler

Parents who have a clingy toddler share similar experiences. They feel exasperated when they can barely do any work because their child refuses to leave their side. Do you find yourself caught in the same dilemma? Well, you are not alone. While it is essential for parents to learn how to deal with their clingy toddlers, it is equally important to understand the reason behind this behavior. Clinginess in children is a sign of attachment to the adults they consider a “secure base”. This is something that little kids develop with caregivers they have learned to trust.

How to deal with a clingy toddler?

So what do you do to ease your child’s separation anxiety? Take a look at these tips to learn how to deal with a clingy toddler.

Pay attention to how you respond

It is easy to get upset when a child is being clingy, but it’s important to watch how you respond. While you are the one who is in control of the situation, be sure to avoid using a harsh tone. Be firm without raising your voice. Make them feel that being away from you isn’t something they need to fear. Assure them that you will come back for them and be sure to stand by your promise.

Also, it would help if you take time to formally bid them goodbye instead of sneaking out without them knowing. A simple “I’ll come pick you up” or “I’ll see you later” will do.

Encourage independence and self-sufficiency

One of the things you could do to reduce your toddler’s clinginess is to encourage independence. Allow them to make their own decisions sometimes  instead of always telling them exactly what to do. Give them options and the chance to decide. Give them opportunities to help out around the house. Assign them simple tasks, such as dusting the furniture, making their bed, putting away their toys, organizing their stuff and so on. The feeling that they can decide and perform certain tasks on their own builds their confidence that they don’t need your help all the time.

Acknowledge how they feel

Clinginess is part of a child’s growth and development. It is not something you should punish them for. They are not aware of their behavior and are not trying to be difficult. This is why, as parents, it is important to show compassion and understanding. Growing up isn’t easy for them, so acknowledge how they feel. Empathize with them and tell them that others feel the same way at times. Do not make them feel that being shy and clingy are bad. Instead, reassure them and make them feel understood.

Spend regular time with others

It will help make your clingy toddler less anxious when they start getting used to being around other people. Instead of being with only you all the time, why don’t you schedule a regular weekend activity with other trusted adults in their life? Invite close family friends or do a weekly visit over to grandparents. Having this routine will encourage your child to become more comfortable with people besides you.

Observe

As you gradually allow opportunities for your child to be comfortable with others, be mindful of any changes. Observe how your clingy toddler responds to this approach. Does it help reduce their clinginess? Do they enjoy the company of others? Do they feel comfortable being around other people? Reinforce the positive results by continually giving your child words of support, encouragement and assurance. After all, all they need to know is that they will be safe without you by their side.

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Dealing with a clingy toddler is seems like an ordeal that every parent has to face. But with the right approach, you can handle your child’s clingy behavior stress-free! By the time your child overcomes their separation anxiety, you can be confident to send them to the best preschool – Imagine Nation Learning Center.

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Top 10 Tips on How to Calm Kids Down

Kids get annoyed when their playmates betray them, parents don’t give them the toy they want, or even when hungry. Some kids stomp their feet when they want to express their frustration. Parents wonder how to direct that anger into something productive.

When kids see their parents unleash their anger, kids imitate it. This shows how kids will mimic what they see their parents do.

Here are the 10 tips on how to calm kids down

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#1 Create a safe spot or chill nook

When adults get mad, they go to their safe haven to calm themselves down. This applies to kids as well. If parents create a safe spot for their kids to calm down, it helps them let go of their frustration independently. This spot could be in the living room, play room, or even a tiny nook in their bedroom. Fill the nook with toys and comfy blankets.

In creating this spot, always remember to tell them its purpose and how it will help them in the future. When parents forget to explain the purpose of the spot, they may just neglect it.

#2 Do some breathing exercises

Kids breathe differently when they get frustrated. They breathe rapidly which leads to anxiety. Even as young as they are, parents can teach them the importance of breathing exercises.

Instruct the kids to breathe slowly, taking deep breaths to help their bodies calm down slowly. When their bodies calm down, their mental health will calm down as well. Remember to tell the kids to step away a bit and breathe whenever they feel angry.

#3 Disconnect from the internet and from gadgets

Nowadays, kids find their gadgets more appealing than interacting with others. Getting out of the house and playing with other kids helps them learn to manage their anger.

When kids continuously watch tv shows or movies that show violent scenes, parents must be vigilant with the access they give their children. Their gadgets must contain apps that do not show violence or use curse words. Kids copy these which leads to fights.

Don’t forget to restrict their access and educate them about these things.

#4 Take a walk outside

Taking a breather through short walks helps kids calm down. Looking around at the scenery will lift their mood as they get distracted.

#5 Find calming music

Most say that music appeals to everyone and that it’s the universal language. Find the right genre that kids relax to. Some parents encourage their kids to play musical instruments. Listening to instrumental music frees their minds from the anger that they feel.

#6 Create a gratitude list

As parents, expressing gratitude to those who help them makes them feel better. When parents imprint this idea in their kids, they learn to be more grateful to everyone around them. This helps them calm down when they feel hurt by the people around them.

Reading through the list makes them realize how much that person did for them.

Later in life, this practice helps them appreciate the world around them.

#7 Browse through funny videos and memes on the internet

“Laughter is the best medicine.”

When people look at funny videos, they can’t help but laugh. Parents do this to take a break from stress. However, the same thing applies to kids. If parents allow their kids to watch, it helps them calm down as they laugh.

Of course, parents need to check the content that the kids watch. Remember to educate them about what they watch on the internet.

#8 Express it through hugs

Hugging melts the walls that people have. With kids, hugging them when they feel angry calms them down and lets them breathe. Sometimes, parents feel relief from their kids when they hug them. Moreover, kids feel the love that their parents have for them.

#9 Find time to reflect and be quiet

After creating the safe spot, parents can lead their kids here to reflect on what happened. Some parents talk to their kids or just tell them to lay down for a few minutes. Others play games with their kids to calm them down before discussing what happened.

#10 Educate kids about being empathetic

Kids normally do not know the consequences of their actions. Some think that when they tease others, it’s fine. However, parents must educate their kids on how to be more empathetic to others to avoid conflict.

Some parents ask kids questions like these:

• If you were in their shoes, how would you feel?
• If the same thing was done to you, how would you react?

These simple questions teach kids to be more sensitive to the people around them.

Parents need all the help they can get in order to calm their kids down. Some think of enrolling their kids in learning centers to help them improve their social skills. Finding the right one begins with enrolling at Imagine Nation Learning Center.

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