Communication between a toddler and a parent can be difficult to achieve. Here are some simple guidelines that I’ve found helpful to create good communication with my toddler, while demanding respect.
As a young mother, I am dealing with a lot of things for the first time in the realm of parenting. I’ve worked in settings, such as a nanny, where my role was similar to that of a parent. This helped me gain a head knowledge of some positive and negative communication skills.
I also worked with kids with disabilities as a young adult and gained a lot of skills doing that. That being said, the practices for communication and showing authority to a child looked different in both work place scenarios.
Lets compare and contrast what I’ve learned in both secular and Christian settings. Then, I want to look at what The Bible says about communicating wit your toddler. I pray that God would give wisdom into my words as I write them to you.
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Knowledge I gained working for secular families
I want to share with you what it was like being a nanny for a non-Christian family. As a young adult, I worked for several families that did not seem to be Christians. One thing I learned was that their expectations in the home looked different than what I pictured. Growing up in a non-Christian home, I can relate to living with those same expectations as a child.
There was a lack of authority and respect in the homes. I observed children lashing out at parents, or myself, with no real consequences. On the opposite end, I observed harsh communication from a parent to a child and vice versa. Things like yelling, hitting things, and running away were a normal part of any conflict brought up to a child in the home.
Knowledge I gained from being a nanny in a Christian home
I was so blessed to come into the presence of a home run by Christians. Searching for work, as a nanny, on a website that lists those types of jobs led me to a wonderful family. The mother of this family is still a Spiritual mother to me to this day.
Working in that home I could see and feel God’s presence. The parents worked together to cultivate the appropriate parenting structure. Respect was shown to the parents from the young child.
When a conflict arose, the manner in which it was dealt with was calmly and timely. I observed the parents talking to the toddler in a calm voice, without being raised, and still demanding attention to the command. One thing I learned is to be consistent in discipline, whatever the method is.
What I’ve observed in my home that I can run to God’s Word for guidance in
I’ve noticed that in my own home my toddler gets more whiney and disobedient when I’m not dividing my time rightly. I have a desire to spend time with my family, serve women in my church, and grow as an entrepreneur. Ultimately, I want to be a godly woman in every way, with the help of God.
In the end, there are times I need to slow down and enjoy my toddler, it makes for a joyful day for everyone. A wonderful example of this love in discipline is in passages Hebrews 12: 6-11 and Proverbs 12:6. We can use these passages to help remind us that it is our duty as parents to first raise disciples before spending time in other areas. Parenting our treasured children is of the utmost importance, even to God!
5 Tips to remember when parenting
- Talk to your child in a regular tone whenever possible, avoid yelling or harsh tone.
- Clearly communicate consequences to the child.
- Explain why we do or don’t do certain things and remind them of the sin in their hearts that is causing disobedience. God commands children to obey their parents and it’s a serious thing when they don’t. See Ephesians 6:1 for biblical instruction.
- Be consistent in discipline.
- Communicate positive words whenever you can. Throughout the day I try to let my son know that I love who he is and have so much fun with him. Scheduling the time to play with him is so important and helps him not seek attention in negative ways.
A book I recommend for biblical encouragement, aside from The Bible, as a guide for parenting:
Have you endured struggles with communicating with your toddler? If so, leave a comment with what God has shown you do to as a parent. I’d love to glean from godly wisdom you’ve learned in this arena.
More encouraging posts from My Abiding Home:
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