| Toddlers are very busy little people. Throughout the | | | | Make dinner a calming time with quiet talk and |
| day they are working hard at playing and learning new | | | | atmosphere. |
| skills. A toddler will go and go, pushing the limits of what | | | | After dinner, give him a warm bath with calming bath |
| he can comprehend, and since he doesn't understand | | | | wash - aromatherapy works wonders. |
| how to deal with the ups and downs of his day, he is | | | | Keep the lights low for a peaceful setting. |
| usually frustrated and worn out by evening. | | | | Take your toddler aside for quiet activities after dinner |
| By the end of the day, a toddler will very often | | | | such as reading bedtime stories, coloring books or |
| become upset even with his most favorite activities, so | | | | calmly singing with him. |
| imagine how annoying the routine stuff can be for him. | | | | During this evening calming time, relax yourself, and |
| He's exhausted and tired, so even dinner time can be | | | | show your toddler what you expect from him by not |
| stressful. Here's where a clever parent can turn the | | | | busying around the house cleaning or doing other |
| tide in how the remainder of the evening will play-out; | | | | tasks; he'll learn from watching you. |
| and how soon you can get some rest yourself. | | | | Keep in mind, that any quiet, transitioning activities you |
| Toddlers are unable to recognize when they are | | | | do with your toddler should become 'routine' so that he |
| 'over-done', they just keep on playing and fussing | | | | starts to recognize these activities as part of getting |
| when what they need are calming activities to help | | | | ready for bed and quiet time. Parents who are hit and |
| them prepare for bedtime. Here are some tips that | | | | miss with a calming toddler bedtime routine will find it |
| parents can use to help ease toddlers into a calm, | | | | harder to accomplish their goal of a restful evening and |
| restful attitude: | | | | happy child. |