5 Tips To Set Limits And Norms For 2-year-olds
2 years are a key date in the development of the child ; it becomes more autonomous and enters a stage of maturity and greater demand. During this period, he opposes what he does not like or does not want, even begins to use the dreaded tantrums. Therefore, it is important that we set limits and rules for 2-year-olds.
We can think that with 2 years it is too early to set limits and rules for the child, but it is at this age when he begins to discover his environment, his greater autonomy, etc. Thus, it is important that you are guided by certain rules that you must follow. This will help you to have greater confidence and self-esteem, a better development of your self-control and a greater tolerance for frustration.
Rules and limits do not have to be restrictive; they have to be adapted to his age and allow him to discover his environment. So, to ere are some ideas to set limits and rules for children 2 years old.
How to set limits and rules for 2-year-olds
Have clear, firm and consistent rules
The rules and limits must always be observed ; There should be no exceptions, because if not, the child can become confused about when to comply with the rules or not.
They must also be clear and direct. Instead of saying ” Shall I bathe you now?” or “Could you pick up all the toys you have taken out?”, we will say: “To the shower, it’s bath time” and “Pick up the toys you have taken out” . The orders have to be clear. We will use a loving way to say it, without yelling or threatening, but firmly.
Not set many limits, but clear
We have to establish few limits, but these have to be clear, that is, the child has to understand with them how to behave. When we set a limit, it is important that we explain why. For example, instead of saying “Do not run up and down the stairs” , we will say: “Do not go down and up the stairs and less by yourself, because you could fall and hurt yourself.
Set limits in a positive way
We will use positive language instead of imposing. Thus, the child will not see the rules as an obligation and will be more receptive when it comes to complying with them. This will also benefit your self-esteem and security, as we are thus respecting your freedom.
Help you recognize your emotions
For a 2-year-old child, it is very difficult to recognize emotions (anger, fear, sadness). It is important that we educate your emotional intelligence and explain why you feel that way. Thus, the child will begin to recognize when he feels each of the emotions and, in this way, he will be able to handle them better.
Don’t yell at or confront him when he has a tantrum
If the child is in a moment of anger, it is better that we wait to talk to him when he calms down. When he is calmer, we will show our understanding and affection, but we will not accept his requests, because otherwise he will use the tantrum at other times to get what he wants or wants.
What do children learn from rules and limits?
- It may not always be what you want. This will help you overcome frustration and understand that not everything is allowed.
- If you fail or stumble, that is not the end. In this way, you will learn to be constant, to fight and to strive to achieve your goals, and that all success can be achieved if you make an effort.
- Respect others. We set the rules and limits not only for the good of the child, but also as rules of behavior with other people, respect for parents, friends or people around the child.
- Realize that there is not only him. A 2-year-old thinks that everything revolves around him. The rules and limits will help him understand that he is not alone in the world.
On setting limits and rules for 2-year-olds
These tips can help you set limits and norms for 2-year-olds and make the 2-year crisis easier. It is a somewhat difficult age because they go from being more babies to becoming more independent, and this makes them easily angry if they do not have what they want. Rules and limits will give you the security and self-control you need right now.
