Life Kit: Parenting How to talk toddler
Oct 2, 2025
In this insightful discussion, Andy Tegel, a Life Kit reporter, tackles the confounding world of toddler behavior. He breaks down why toddlers can't be reasoned with emotionally and shares expert tips on managing their big feelings. Discover how playful distractions can defuse tantrums effectively. Tegel and his guests emphasize the importance of structure and small choices to ease transitions, showcasing ways to model positive behavior rather than simply saying 'don't.' This conversation is a must-listen for parents navigating the challenges of toddlerhood.
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Toddlerhood Is Identity Work
- Toddlerhood is a phase of identity discovery where children test boundaries to learn who they are.
- This explains oppositional behaviors like saying no even when they mean yes.
Connection Makes Power Struggles Personal
- The parent-child connection is a strength but can make power struggles feel personal and volatile.
- Letting go of the need to win prevents prolonged conflicts with toddlers.
Reasoning Fails During Emotional Activation
- Toddlers lack mature executive function so reasoning often fails during emotional activation.
- When activated they struggle to access empathy and perspective taking.
