Choose your battles – if you always say “No” he will eventually rebel. Decide what’s most important to you and stick to it with consistent “No’s” and say “Yes” to less important ones…
2. When baby starts to have a fit because he wants something or to do something you don’t approve of, simply re-direct his attention to another toy, ride, etc. No need to yell–speak softly, maybe even sing, and re-direct. Most of the time his attention will quickly move to the desired area or toy and magically a temper tantrum has been avoided! Keep in mind that these fits are normal and he’s not a “bad” child.
3. Try to stick to your baby’s schedule as much as possible by planning appointments, parties, or outings around his naps, bedtime, etc. Schedules make life more predictable for both mother and baby and baby is usually more agreeable as well. Know your baby/toddler’s limitations – when he’s tired don’t push him – it’s an invitation for a meltdown.
4. When eating out with baby, try to arrange the meal around his schedule. For best results, go to the restaurant when he’s hungry, but not starving, and after he’s had his required sleep for the day.
5. Have the waitress bring his meal with yours, not before. If you make him wait for his meal he will eat when you are eating and you may actually be able to eat your meal! If he gets restless give him a few crackers to eat, or toys or books to look at.
6. Do not take him out of the high chair… If you let him win with a fit by walking him around or letting him walk around, you are setting the stage for years of frustration in restaurants and many half eaten meals because you are spending the whole time chasing him and trying to keep him happy! Take baby out into the world regularly. He will soak up interaction with new people and love seeing new places. The more you do this, the more he will learn how to behave in public and life in the long run will be much easier.
7. Keep toys/books in the car for baby’s entertainment!
8. Keep the diaper bag packed and by the front door so that you can be ready to leave at a moment’s notice.
9. Give him plenty of opportunity to move and explore! Babies and children need to move, move, move in appropriate ways.
10. Give your baby plenty of opportunities to move, move, move. If babies are not allowed to move, their brains will seek out this stimulation anyway and it may be in inappropriate ways! It is important, however, to keep in mind that too much stimulation can backfire if the child get’s over tired. You know your child best and how much stimulation is best.
So here they are, my top 10 survival tips for life with your little miracle. Happy parenting. Enjoy the journey… –Angela