3. Engage with your toddler on an emotional level – then try to shift their focus. When a child is crying or screaming, their emotions are probably overwhelming them. So there’s no point in just saying no you can’t do that, or “no because of x” even if that is an entirely logical answer, because they won’t be in a state where they can process that. In fact, the bit of their brain that deals with logic (left side). may be entirely overwhelmed with the emotional (right side) of the brain. Instead, it’s helpful to recognise the feeling and try to comfort and show you understand. So, if your toddler is crying you could offer a hug or say “I’m sorry you’re feeling sad – or, it is really frustrating that you can’t eat icecream now”… and then wait a bit before explaining why that’s the way it is.
