cooperation
Trying to get your toddler to co-operate in everyday tasks, such as brushing hair or cleaning teeth can be a nightmare. But, with a little help from Modern Mum, you can get your toddler to work with you!
Let me do it mummy!
your gorgeous little girl ready. Sounds simple, doesn’t it? Well, think again...
W
Getting them dressed As one of my friends always says, ‘choose your battles'! Tis means allowing your child some freedom as regards their choice of clothing, technically making it easier to get them dressed. What it also means (and my friend can certainly vouch for this) is that you may have to take your child to the supermarket dressed in a pink tutu and lime green tights! Te key to dressing a toddler without a
running battle is to turn the task into a fun ritual instead of a chore. As you’re doing up poppers, for example, say ‘pop, pop, pop’ as you put each one in. Your child will soon get the hang of the whole thing and join in.
Nappy changing Te task of nappy changing oſten starts off well. When your baby is small, she likes nothing better than to lie quietly on a changing mat, waiting patiently for you to change her nappy - and lulling you into a sense of false security. As soon as she’s able to move under her own volition she’s off – rolling away, or running off, as soon as you try to change her.
e’ve all been there, haven’t we? You’ve somewhere to be at a certain time and all you need to do is to get
Getting teddy involved can oſten be a
great way of getting a nappy changed. ‘Change’ teddy’s nappy at the same time and baby will love it. Only downside may be that she may want teddy’s nappy changed every time! If your baby has done a poo, then a great
way of keeping her hands out of it is to sing ‘If you’re happy and you know it….’. Baby will be so busy clapping her hands and singing that her hands will be well away from the mess.
Hair washing One of the easiest ways to get your toddler to co- operate when it comes to getting her hair washed is to role-play. Tis involves pretending that you are both in a hair salon, with you obviously in the role of the hairdresser. Chat to your child about the shampoo that she uses and discuss various hairstyles. Have a bit of fun by sculpting your child’s
hair into a Mohican or a ‘horn’ hairstyle. Ten let her look in the mirror so that you can both have a giggle.
Brushing teeth When it comes to teeth cleaning, give your child some responsibility by allowing her to choose her own toothbrush. Also, make sure she’s in the bathroom watching you as you
brush your own teeth. Show her how it’s done and allow her to even help by brushing your teeth for you. As with the nappy changing, using a soſt
toy to allow your child to demonstrate her personal care abilities will encourage her. Get her to brush teddy’s ‘teeth’ – minus the toothpaste, of course!
Nail clipping Trying to trim a small baby or child's nails can be an absolute nightmare at times. It’s difficult enough trying to brush their hair or clean their teeth, but factor in a pair of scissors and you could end up with ‘Nightmare on Sesame Street – Sophie gets her nails cut’! Te main thing to remember when you’re trying to cut your child’s nails is to try and not become stressed out if she wriggles away. Young children are full of energy and don't want to miss out on anything - not even for a second. Always trim the nail straight across and be
very careful to not trim her nail too close to the skin. Talk to your child as you are cutting her nails or, if she’s not old enough to hold a conversation, give her a toy to play with in one hand, or put the TV on to take her attention. If you absolutely dread this task and find
your baby impossible to work with, do the sensible thing and trim them gently while she’s asleep! „
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