Bound away and back again (and again)

The relationship between a caring adult and child can be strengthened through activities that balance the need for attachment and the need for exploration. As a secure base, the adult becomes the point from which the toddler moves away while exploring the world. When needing reassurance and security, the child then returns to the adult. Much like a baby kangaroo bounding back to its mother.

Parenting involves balance: strictness and leniency, cleanliness and messiness, sharing and privacy, etc. That's what makes life with children challenging, exciting, emotional, and fascinating - and thus rewarding! THE BEST PARENTS FIND BALANCE.

Try offering more options to your child within comfortable limits. You will be surprised how powerful he feels and thus less likely to fight for control. For example, you could ask, "Do you want to read the animal book or alphabet book first?" This implies that they will need to read something, but they can choose what they want first and will learn how to make their own decisions.