SELF AFFIRMATION

Joshua is an 19  month old toddler.Lately he has started saying “No” for everything thing his mother or father tell him to do.When his mother tells him pick up his toys which are scattered all over the floor ,he will say “NO”.When his mother tells him to get ready for a bath and come to the bathroom,he says “NO”.

Have you ever wondered why your 18 month toddler just  starts saying a big  "NO" to everything.If you ask them to do things or listen to your instructions you will start hearing a “NO” every time. Physically they are always running away from mother .They tend to say NO for everything.They don't even like to share their toys or books.

        Well it is  just a period of SELF AFFIRMATION. It starts with a period of saying NO to everything at 18 months  and it ends at around  3 years when the child says "I".This is the stage when they start realizing that they are separate beings from their mother.They are just affirming themselves as a separate ego.

    In the previous months you have done everything to contribute to his physical needs. Psychologically there is a big difference now in this period ,a period of movement from infancy to childhood.

    This a time to deal with them with a lot of patience.We can empower them by setting limits and at the same time  providing choices.You can ask them "Would you like to do this or would you like to do that ?

Give them choices in everyday routine activities like personal care and meals .Giving them choices helps them acknowledge their  individualism.It can definitely create less rebellious children.

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