1/7
How many parents have you met who say they respect their toddler as much as they love them? We do not give enough importance to respecting our children, not realising that children do what they see. So if you want to raise a well-rounded child, make sure you respect them enough, says child psychologist, Dr Shachi Dalvi. And the right time to start is when you child is the most impressionable -- the toddler years.
2/7
If you practice respect towards your toddler, but not with your spouse or other family members, you will simply confuse her. As a parent, you know that the things you practice have a more lasting impression on your toddler than the things you tell her.
3/7
Of course, all your attention is for your toddler. What Dr Shachi advises is mindful listening, where you set an hour aside only to listen to your toddler. No correcting, interrupting or giving suggestions. Just listen to what your toddler has to say, and you'll be surprised at how the little brain works!
4/7
For a toddler, love is spelt with attention and time. So you will find your toddler asking for your attention when you are busy on the phone or in the middle of an important task. Naturally, you give her half your attention and simply nod, without focusing on what she wants. What should be done here is you ask her to wait for you to finish your business and then give her full attention. 'Be present' in your interactions.
5/7
Each child is truly unique and you can respect this uniqueness by appreciating the way your toddler expresses herself. Even if her sun looks more like a straight line, appreciate her effort and be vocal about it. She will learn all about shapes and correct way to do things with time, you need to keep up her enthusiasm by appreciating her frequently.
6/7
Including your child in your plans is how you show them respect. When planning a day out, ask her what she would like to do. When planning a meal, ask her what she would like to eat or give her a few healthy options to choose from. Treat them like an important unit of the family whose opinion matters.
7/7
What do you do when your child refuses to sing a poem or perform for your friends? Or when your child refuses to wear a particular dress? Respecting a child's no, under acceptable circumstances, is essential. That is how they learn to respect your NO. Ask your child twice or thrice if they would like to shake hands with a friend of yours, drop the subject if she says no repeatedly.
