Video Summary - Simply Parenting- Your Two Year Old's Behavior

Key wellness / parenting strategies for a 2-year-old’s behavior

Expect “growing pains” from independence
- At this age, toddlers want to do things themselves, but still need help and love.
- This natural push for independence can cause frustration—stay supportive and understanding.
Use safe, confidence-building routines
- Encourage age-appropriate self-help skills that build competence, such as:
  - Getting dressed
  - Washing hands
  - Eating
  - Brushing teeth
Set limits with consistency
- Toddlers are still learning self-control, so difficulty with aggression is common.
Handle aggression calmly and clearly (brief time-out approach)
- If your child hits, bites, or grabs hair:
  - Give a brief time-out
  - Be clear and calm about the rule using 5 words or less
  - Remove the child from the situation (“scene of the crime”)
  - Place them in a small chair for about 2 minutes
- Example rule language:
  - “You’re not supposed to hit Mommy.”
  - “You’re supposed to listen.”
After time-out: reset without extra attention
- Wipe the slate clean after the time-out.
- Let your child return to play.
- Avoid discussing the behavior afterward, since it may increase attention (and attention can unintentionally reinforce the behavior).
Stay firm over time
- Consistency over the next year leads to gradual improvement in self-control.