Toddler Parenting

How do I get other people on board with my parenting goals?

Many parents rely on other people to help take care of their kids. Having help can be a big relief, but it can also be stressful when other adults do things differently than we’d like.

Clear communication, patience, and consistency can help you get everyone on the same team.

Be clear with caregivers.

"I worry about what my child is eating when he’s at daycare."

If your toddler is in childcare, ask questions about what the teacher will provide at snack or mealtime. Talk to the teachers so they know what foods you want your child to eat.

Remember: You may need to have the conversation more than once. Don’t feel like you are being annoying or pushy — you are the parent!

Get tips on choosing the right childcare for your family

Parent 2 Parent

"I’m kind but direct when I talk to my childcare provider about the snacks I prefer my daughter to eat. My experience is that they’re very open to talking with me about this and appreciate my honesty."

Get your family on your team.

"My family loves my baby and wouldn’t do anything to deliberately hurt her, but…"

If friends or family members are feeding your toddler unhealthy foods, speak up. You can say something like, “I'm trying to limit the amount of sugar and juice that Ana is having. Milk or water is best." If you are not sure what to say or how to say it, practice with your child’s pediatrician.

Parent 2 Parent

"My mother-in-law and I have very different ideas about raising kids. When I get frustrated, I try to remember that we both love Ella. That helps me take a deep breath and go over the rules nicely — again."

If it seems like your family just won’t listen, “blame” the pediatrician. For example, say that your child’s doctor insists that your toddler only drinks milk and water.

Remember: A child can’t have too much love, but a child can have too much food.

If a grandparent is taking care of your child these tips may help you communicate.

What can I do to make my parenting responsibilities more manageable?

Talking to other parents about the joys and difficulties of raising kids can help. As we learned from talking to hundreds of parents to help us write these tips, parents are full of useful, practical ideas for handling the biggest challenges.

Let other parents help you.

Remember: You are not the only parent thinking about how to encourage healthy eating. You can help each other. Talk to other parents to find out how they get their toddlers to eat healthy foods.

Parent 2 Parent

"When I get tired of the meals I regularly make, I ask friends for ideas about quick and healthy dinners their kids like."

Routines are a good thing!

One way to help you and your toddler stay healthy and happy is to stick to a routine. When your child knows what to expect, she’ll be less likely to have a temper tantrum. Establishing routines for mealtime, playtime, and sleeping time will help you manage your responsibilities as a parent, too.

"On our most recent vacation, we just went with the flow around naps and meal times. We’ll never do that again. It took us a week to get everyone back on track after we got home."

What is a mealtime routine?
A mealtime routine for toddlers should include 3 meals and 2 snacks given around the same time each day.

What is a playtime routine?
To stay healthy and sleep better, toddlers should be active throughout the day: morning, afternoon, and early evening.

What is a bedtime routine?
A simple, soothing routine will help your toddler relax and get ready for bedtime. A warm bath, reading a book, or softly singing songs are great ways get ready for sleep.

Quick tips: Creating family routines

Eat meals together as a family at the same time every day. If that doesn’t seem doable with your schedule, set a goal of eating together at least 3 times a week.
Get your toddler to help you make healthy meals — even young children can stir foods with a little help!
Make physical activity a part of your family’s everyday routine. Go for a walk after dinner and play in the park on weekends.
Eat breakfast every day.
Give your toddler a bath after dinner every evening. Let bath time be a transition into getting ready for bed.

Parent 2 Parent

"My husband works nights and I realized we hadn’t sat down to a family meal together since our baby was born — she was almost 2 at that point! We challenged ourselves to having breakfast as a family every day for a week. Then we tried it for a month. Now we do it all the time — it just starts the day right."

Did You Know?

Research shows that families who eat meals together have children who are more likely to eat fruits and vegetables and less likely to eat fried foods and drink soda pop.

Healthy Living