The most distinctive feature of a 2-3 year old child is intense curiosity, and the most important job is discovery and learning. The sense of discovery and learning along with curiosity brings rules and prohibitions. While in the discovery process, the child does not know what he can touch or not, what is harmful to him or not. At this point, prohibitions come into play.
* How to explain something that is forbidden to a 2-3 year old child correctly?
Saying "This is forbidden" It doesn't mean anything for a 2-3 year old child. Likewise, explaining in detail why it is prohibited is not meaningful for a 2-3 year old child. First of all, parents should make a clear decision about what is allowed and what is not allowed for the child. What is and is not prohibited should not vary depending on the day, time, person or environment, and should be as constant and clear as possible for every situation and environment. Only in this way can children understand what is forbidden and what is not.
Especially children at this age tend to do what is forbidden to make sure that they forget more quickly and that their parents always have the same attitude. The child should be told clearly what the undesirable behavior is (for example, "the television should not be touched"), and after the child has committed this behavior, it should be explained in a calm and determined voice that the behavior was not liked and that he should not do it again, without getting angry or shouting.
* What kind of mischief does a 2-3-year-old child do and how should parents behave?
A 2-3-year-old child wants to touch, tamper with, throw away everything, and empty cabinets and drawers. The reason for doing this is not to cause mischief or upset the parents. The only thing the child is trying to do is to satisfy his sense of curiosity. What happens when you touch the television, when you throw the glass on the floor, what is in the cabinets and drawers? This is all the child is curious about and trying to learn. At this point, offering options instead of hindering the child both reduces the anger and irritability caused by frustration and supports the child's sense of learning and discovery.
Instead of locking all the cabinets and drawers, a cabinet or drawer can be emptied and reserved for the child so that the child can satisfy his curiosity. come here kid 1-2 toys belonging to the child, plastic or wooden spoons, plates, and 1-2 cloths that will not harm the child can be placed. When he goes to the cabinets and drawers, he can direct him there by telling him that these places belong to the mother and that the emptied drawer belongs to her.
* What kind of prohibitions can be placed on a 2-3 year old child?
While in some families, the child is not allowed to touch anything, especially in child-centered families, everything the child does is allowed. In this case, the child cannot distinguish between what is and is not dangerous for himself and his environment.
During this age period, arrangements should be made to prevent the child from harming himself and his environment. Protective covers should be placed for sockets and locks should be placed for cabinets containing detergents, medicines and chemicals. Apart from these, prohibitions may be imposed on touching hot stoves, irons, water, hitting and throwing behaviors.
* What should be the first reaction of parents to the child?
Child When someone behaves undesirably or harmfully, parents' first reaction is usually to shout "DON'T". This reaction causes the child to be afraid, but it does not always make the child stop the behavior.
Just saying "NO" in the face of inappropriate or dangerous behavior will not be enough for this age child. It should also be explained simply why the behavior should not be done. For example, when you try to touch a hot object, you can say that the object is hot and will hurt. Often children in this age group are not satisfied with the explanations given and try to continue the behavior. They usually learn through experience.
It is necessary to remind the child frequently about the rules and prohibitions. By offering an alternative instead of the undesirable behavior, the child's attention can be distracted and his/her insistence on performing the undesirable behavior can be prevented. For example, when he starts throwing the items on the ground, a guidance can be given such as "these cannot be thrown, you can throw the ball if you want". When it is not possible to end or change the behavior, removing the child from that environment is an appropriate way.
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