“If you don’t want your toddler to touch something, it should not be in reach.” J. Milburn Toddlers have little impulse control. They usually know what not to do long before they are able to actually stop themselves, when excited. Verbal correction is sporadically effective, at best, due to a lack of auditory processing skills. That is why “yes” spaces are the easiest and most effective way to support your toddlers developmental need to explore while keeping them safe. This does not mean a supervised child can’t help out in the kitchen or with other more risky tasks, however, it should always be assumed that a toddlers behaviour can be unpredictable and we need to be prepared for that. Want to know more about how to prepare for the changes that toddlerhood brings? Get the Toddler Workshop Series through the link in my bio @responsive_parenting @responsive_parenting Edited to add: It has been asked several times what to do when an unsafe item is stationary, such as the stove in the picture. In this case, toddlers should not have access to areas with unsafe furniture, unless they are supervised. So gates, door knob covers and strategic placement of furniture are all strategies that can help. Toddlers will find a way eventually so you will need to be adjusting all the time. You can do this in combination with teaching them safety boundaries. It’s not one or the other. When you are close by and able to supervise, you can be gently teaching safety boundaries. “Yes” spaces are helpful for times when supervision is less. #responsiveparenting #jmilburn #toddlerworkshop #understandingtoddlers #childled #parentsupport #parentingtoddlers #toddlerparenting #childsafe #childsafety https://www.instagram.com/p/CWUIvYtr0Er/?utm_medium=tumblr
