| How to Help an Angry Toddler Posted: 08 Aug 2021 05:00 PM PDT Whoever called it the "terrible twos" may have been onto something! With their wide range of emotions, increased mobility, and seemingly endless energy, toddlers bring a whole new set of challenges to parenting. If you're wondering how you can help settle an angry toddler, have no fear. There really are a few tricks that work. To help you out, we've put together a list of tips and strategies you can use to calm your little one down when they get upset. [Edit]Give them a mindfulness jar if they're overwhelmed. - They're easy to make and super effective. A mindfulness jar a visual sensory tool that can distract and help a child relax when they get worked up. To make one, fill a clear plastic bottle about ¾ of the way full with hot water, add of clear gel glue and some glitter, then seal the cap and shake it up well. Whenever your toddler is throwing an angry fit, give them the mindfulness jar and see if that helps settle them.[1]
- You can add a few drops of superglue to the lid when you close it so it stays sealed shut.
- Go crazy with different kinds of glitter! Give your little one a ton of colors to look at floating around inside.
[Edit]Put on some music if your toddler is crying. - It can actually calm their nervous system. Play some music for your kiddo if they're really upset and crying and it could turn their mood around. It may get them up and dancing along, but the music can also decrease their heart and respiratory rate, which can naturally calm them down.[2]
- You don't have to stick to nursery rhymes, either! Some uptempo pop music can work just as well or even better than a lullaby. Try out some different music and see what your toddler likes.
[Edit]Ask them to talk instead of whining or yelling. - Encourage them to use their words and talk about their feelings. Toddlers can easily get themselves worked up, so try catching them before it happens. When your little one starts to shout or whine when they're telling you something that's upsetting them or talking about something that they want, calmly correct them and ask them to use their words and speak clearly. It can help them focus on what they're saying, which may help avoid a meltdown.[3]
- It can be frustrating to be misunderstood! If a toddler is having trouble communicating, having them slow down and focus on speaking clearly can help.
- Try, "Sweetheart, I can't understand you when you whine. Use your words and tell me about it, okay?"
[Edit]Listen and respond to your toddler when they talk to you. - Get on their level and show them that you understand. Allow them to take their time and put their feelings into words. Really listen to what they're saying and respond kindly so they know that you understand them. It can make a world of a difference to a toddler if they feel like they're understood. Try offering up a few words of encouragement and comfort to make them feel better if they're upset about what they're telling you as well.[4]
- It may also help to literally get on their level. Lower down so you're at their eye-level and you don't seem like such a towering figure.[5]
- Try saying things like, "That must have made you upset" and "Did it hurt your feelings?" or "That must be frustrating, huh sweetie?"
[Edit]Give them a healthy way to let off some steam. - They can run around or draw a picture to release their anger. This might not be news to you, but toddlers have a ton of energy! Sometimes it's best to not fight it and instead redirect it somewhere else.[6] Tell your toddler to run to the fence and back, do some jumping jacks (if they're able to do them), or just have them jump up and down. You could also ask them to draw you a picture of something so they'll focus their energy on that.[7]
- There are all sorts of ways you can get your kiddo to focus their energy on something else. Get creative! Have them dig a hole in the yard, play tug of war with them, or wrestle with them.
[Edit]Stick to positive reinforcement. - Threats and punishments won't work on a toddler. Avoid giving a toddler ultimatums. It can easily backfire on you. Instead, focus on promoting the behavior you want from them by positively reinforcing the idea.[8] They're much more likely to respond to you that way.[9]
- For instance, try, "I understand, sweetie, but if you want to watch the movie then we need to finish lunch first. If not, it's no big deal, we can always try again later." Instead of something like, "You need to eat your lunch or else!"
[Edit]Set up a special play area for them. - Give them a separate area to play and explore. A toddler may not understand or get angry when there are things in your home that they can't touch or play with. Try setting up a playpen that has a bunch of toys and activities that they can play with as much as they want. That way, they can let out some energy and they won't get upset when there's something they can't do.[10]
- For example, if you don't want your toddler to pull books off of your shelf, try setting up some of their picture books in a play area so they can take them out, play with them, or flip through them as much as they want.
- Another advantage of a playpen is you have somewhere to put your toddler where you know they're safe and can't get into anything dangerous.
[Edit]Find what triggers your toddler's tantrums. - If you can identify the problem, you can avoid future meltdowns. Pay attention to what seems to be upsetting your little one. If they're avoidable or if you can make adjustments that will help keep them from getting upset, give it a shot! You might be able to save yourself a lot of potential headaches.[11]
- For instance, if your toddler prefers to use a certain sippy cup and gets upset when you try to give them a different one, try to make sure the one they like is available when you need it.
- Of course, some things that upset a toddler may be unavoidable, such as getting dressed or having to bathe when they don't want to. But there may be other things you can avoid to help keep them from getting angry.
[Edit]Talk about house rules often with your toddler. - Phrase them as positives so they're more likely to follow them. Don't wait until your little one breaks a rule to tell them about them. Instead, calmly bring up and talk about different rules regularly so they get the message loud and clear (it can take toddlers a little while). Talk about what's okay and what's not okay using fun and friendly terms so they don't harsh or scary.[12]
- For instance, you can call time-out a "time-in" or say, "Quiet feet!" instead of, "No running!"
- While you're walking around your home with your toddler, you can say things like, "And those are shoes, see? And we don't take shoes and move them, right? We leave them right where they are."
- Use positive language and an uplifting tone to say things like, "And look! There's a kitty cat! Remember, we don't pull on a cat's tail right? Because that can hurt the cat."
[Edit]Use time-outs for whenever they break the rules. - It's a simple way to help them settle down. Whenever your toddler is breaking rules, getting upset, or throwing a full-on tantrum, words may not be enough to calm them down. When that happens, remove them from the situation and have them sit somewhere quietly for a couple of minutes. Once they relax and stop throwing a fit, you can let them out and talk to them about it.[13]
- For 2-year-olds, stick to around 2 minutes for a time-out. A good rule of thumb is 1 minute for each year of age.
- If your toddler leaves the time-out area, gently put them back into it and restart the time-out clock. If they throw a major tantrum, just ignore it unless there's actually a possibility that they could hurt themselves.
[Edit]Praise your kiddo when they behave appropriately. - It can help reinforce it. It's actually almost more important that you give your child credit and praise whenever they do something right so they're more motivated to keep doing the right thing. Don't hold back! Tell them how great they are and what a good job they did. Get really animated and make a big deal about it. It'll make them smile and they'll love getting all the extra attention.[14]
- If your toddler picks up their shoes and socks, tell them, "Wow! Look at you! What a great job! So helpful, thank you!"
- If they share a toy with a sibling or another toddler, heap the praise on them by saying, "Very nice! That's so sweet of you to share. Great job!"
[Edit]Teach your toddler to say "no" instead of fighting. - Help them find a better way to stand up for themselves. When a toddler gets upset with other children, they may resort to getting physical or shouting at them. Tell your little one that they can calmly tell other kids, "No" with a firm tone of voice. They can also turn away or leave the situation if it's making them upset. It'll help them learn to establish healthy boundaries from a young age and avoid resorting to violence when they're angry.[15]
- Try saying, "So if the other kids want to take your toy, just say 'No, thank you. I'm playing with it right now.'"
- You can also gently remind them of rules by saying, "Remember, we don't hit other people. We are nice to them. If we don't like what they're doing, we say, 'No, thank you.'"
[Edit]Make sure your toddler gets enough sleep. - It can make a huge difference. It may seem simple or like a no-brainer, but toddlers are much more likely to lose their temper if they're tired. Put them down to bed around the same time each night and make sure they get a nap if they need one. It could save you (and your little one) a whole lot of frustration.[16]
- Kids between the ages of 1 and 2 need around 11-14 hours of sleep each day, including at least 1 nap.[17]
[Edit]Control your own temper. - Set a good example for your little one. It's completely normal and natural to get frustrated, but it's important that your toddler sees you handle your frustrations in a calm and mature way. If you get upset or angry at your toddler or anyone else, express it using quiet, peaceful words. Don't shout, stomp around, or storm off or your toddler just may mimic you![18]
- That goes for everyday activities, too. If someone cuts you off in traffic, for example, don't shout at them or curse them out. Your little one is always watching how you handle things and learning from you.
- Sometimes just removing your toddler from the situation is enough to get them to settle down. If they're really upset about something, try picking them up, carrying them away, and calmly talking to them about it.
[Edit]References |
| How to Wash Dishes Posted: 08 Aug 2021 09:00 AM PDT Dishes can pile up quickly in your kitchen, but they're actually pretty easy to clean. Most dishes can be easily washed either by hand in the sink or by using a dishwasher, except for cast iron cookware. With a little time and effort, you'll soon have a stack of sparkly dishes! [Edit]Cleaning Dishes by Hand - Scrape any leftover food into the trash or garbage disposal. Use your silverware to push any leftover food on your dishes into the trash can. This quickly clears your plate and makes washing it easier later on. If you have a garbage disposal, you can put any uneaten food down the drain while your disposal is running.[1]
- Don't pour any grease down your drain since it could solidify and clog your pipes.
- Fill your sink halfway with hot water and add of dish soap. Use the hottest water that you can handle putting your hands in! While the sink is filling up, pour of dish soap into the running water to create suds.[2]
- Make sure your sink is clean before washing your dishes.
- Work from lightly to heavily soiled dishes. Start by cleaning dishes such as utensils and drinking glasses. Then, move on to your plates and bowls. Lastly, soak and clean any pots, pans, or other cookware—leaving these for last is more effective since soaking loosens any stuck-on bits of food.[3]
- Scrub your dishes underwater with a sponge or dishcloth. Keep the dishes underwater as you wash them to loosen any stuck-on food. Using circular motions, wipe each dish clean with a sponge or a dishcloth. If any leftover food is still stuck afterward, scrub it off and wash any other spots you missed as well.[4]
- If the water gets too dirty to see through, drain your sink and refill it.
- Be careful when handling knives! To clean knives safely, wipe them clean from the back so you aren't holding onto the blade. You should also never keep sharp knives in the sink since they may be hard to see if the water gets dirty.
- If your dishes have burnt-on food, soak them in your sink for 10-15 minutes before washing them.
- For stubborn stains on ceramic dishes, mix baking soda and vinegar to create a paste, then scrub the paste into the stains with a cloth. Rinse off the paste with warm water.[5]
- To clean a baking sheet with stuck-on food, mix baking soda and water to form a paste and scrub it into the food with a sponge. Add hydrogen peroxide to the mix for really stubborn stains.[6]
- Rinse off the soap with hot water. After you wash a dish, rinse it underneath the hottest water you can handle until the suds are gone. Make sure to rinse the inside of bowls and glasses a couple of times to ensure that all the suds are gone.[7]
- Avoid using cold water since it may cause water spots on your dishes.
- If you have a double sink, you can rinse off the suds on the second side to be more efficient. Otherwise, just alternate between washing and rinsing.
- Let the dishes dry on a rack or a clean towel. You can also dry them in the second side of a double sink. If you don't have a drying rack, set the dishes upside down on a clean towel on your counter. Leave them to dry for 30-60 minutes.[8]
- It's safer and best to let your dishes air dry, since drying them with a dirty towel will only spread germs around more.
- Rinse off your sink after you put your dishes away. You don't want any grease or food bits floating around the next time you need to use your sink. Run hot water and use a sponge or microfiber cloth with dish soap to wipe your sink down. Scrub longer if there are any areas with food stuck on. Work from the outside in, top to bottom, so that dirty water doesn't drip into areas you've already cleaned.[9]
- Optionally, sprinkle some baking soda around the sink to break up any food particles before you begin.
- If your sink is really dirty, plug it and then fill it up with water. Add a capful of bleach and let it sit for 5 minutes before draining and wiping the sink down.[10]
- Make sure your sink is clear of any items before you begin cleaning it.
[Edit]Loading a Dishwasher - Get rid of any leftover food on your dishes and rinse them off. Scrape the food off of your plates or cookware into the garbage with your silverware to easily clear away the majority of it. Try to remove as much as you can so that it doesn't clog your dishwasher. After you scrape the food from the dishes, rinse them in the sink to remove any smaller pieces that still may be stuck.[11]
- If you're running your dishwasher immediately after you eat, you don't need to rinse your dishes.
- Put cups, small bowls, and plastics on the top shelf of your dishwasher. Set the cups and bowls between the tines on the top rack of your dishwashers, and make sure they're facedown or angled so that water doesn't pool on them. Load from back to front so that you can fit more in.[12]
- Avoid nesting items, since this will prevent water from reaching and cleaning them.
- Plastics are loaded on the top shelf to prevent them from melting because the bottom of the dishwasher is hotter.
- Make sure all of your dishes say that they're dishwasher-safe.
- Load plates, serving bowls, and other larger cookware on the bottom rack. Keep large flat pans and any other oversized items on the sides or the back of the bottom rack so that they don't block the water spray. Stand your plates on their ends so that their dirty sides face the water sprayer and are cleaned more effectively. When you put in your pots and pans, make sure they're upside down so that water doesn't pool inside them.[13]
- Most dishwashers have angled tines on the bottom rack so that your plates will point in the right direction.
- Never stack your dishes on top of one another even if this seems more efficient, since the water in your dishwasher won't be able to clean them all.
- Do not load cookware made of wood, pewter, cast iron, crystal, fine china, bronze, or brass.[14][15]
- Put the utensils into the basket on the bottom rack or door. Make sure the handles face downwards so the dirty parts get cleaned. Leave space in between each utensil so the water can get in between the surfaces.[16]
- Mix spoons, forks, and knives so that they don't nest together. Don't load sharp knives because the dishwasher can dull them, but duller knives like butter knives are okay to put in the dishwasher.
- Make sure long-handled utensils aren't bumping into the water sprayer in the middle of your dishwasher. If they are, lay the utensils flat on the top rack instead.
- Separate silver and stainless steel cutlery since the silver may pit when they're touching.
- Fill the designated compartment with a detergent made for use in a dishwasher. Check the instructions on your dishwasher to see how much to add, but usually of detergent will work. Alternatively, you can use detergent powder or cleaning pods inside your dishwasher.[17]
- Don't use liquid dish soap, as this will leave a foamy residue on your dishes.
- Run the dishwasher. Close the dishwasher door, select the cycle you want to run, and press start. Let the dishwasher run until it's completed.[18]
- The normal cycle on your machine will work fine for a regular wash.
- Use the delicate cycle if your dishes are lightly soiled or if you have fragile glassware in your dishwasher.
- Pick a heavy-duty cycle if you're cleaning pots and pans.
- When unloading, empty the bottom rack first so that water from the top rack doesn't spill down.[19]
[Edit]Washing a Cast Iron Skillet - Pour hot water into the skillet immediately after you're done using it. Right after you remove the food from the cast iron skillet, fill the pan half-full with the hottest water you can handle. This will make it easier to scrape off food later. Leave the pan on the stovetop instead of putting it in the sink.[20]
- Pour the water into the skillet using a cup so you don't have to carry it to your sink.
- Scrub off excess food with a new sponge or stiff-bristled brush. Hold onto the pan with an oven mitt or potholder using your non-dominant hand. Use your dominant hand to scrub any of the food that's leftover from cooking immediately. Once the pan is clean, drain the water into your sink.[21]
- Don't use detergent or steel wool on your pan since these can strip the pan.
- If the water is too hot, use a long-handled brush or hold the sponge with tongs.
- Don't let the pan soak, or it could rust.
- If there's still leftover food after draining, sprinkle in 2 tablespoons (18 grams) of coarse kosher salt and scrub away the remaining bits. The salt acts as an abrasive that helps remove the stuck food.[22]
- Dry the skillet on the stovetop. Leave your pan on the stove over low heat for 10-15 minutes, then remove it from the heat. Make sure to dry the entire pan so there's no standing water or moisture left, or else your skillet could start to rust.[23]
- Rub vegetable oil into the skillet with a paper towel. Oiling your cast iron skillet helps keep it in good condition. Pour of vegetable oil into the skillet and rub the cooking surface with a paper towel to coat it. Work in small circles to buff the oil into the iron. Leave the oil to dry for 20-30 minutes before putting the skillet away.[24]
- If you don't have any vegetable oil, you can substitute of melted shortening instead.
- Do the dishes right away, when they're dirty, rather than letting them pile up. It'll be easier to get the food off this way too.
- Make the task more enjoyable by listening to your favorite music or an audiobook while you wash!
[Edit]Warnings - Never leave sharp knives in the sink or else you may cut yourself.
[Edit]Things You'll Need [Edit]Cleaning Dishes by Hand - Dish detergent
- Sponge or dishcloth
- Towel
- Drying rack
[Edit]Loading a Dishwasher [Edit]Washing a Cast Iron Skillet - Sponge or stiff-bristled brush
- Towel
- Oven mitt or potholder
- Paper towel
- Coarse kosher salt
- Vegetable oil
[Edit]Related wikiHows [Edit]References [Edit]Quick Summary |
| How to Make Your Eyelashes Naturally Longer Posted: 08 Aug 2021 01:00 AM PDT If you'd like naturally longer, fuller lashes, it can be hard to figure out what products and lifestyle changes actually work. Thankfully, there are some natural ways you can promote lash growth and prevent breakage for longer, thicker lashes. Try incorporating a few of these methods into your beauty routine to see results in as little as one month. [Edit]Which products help your eyelashes grow? - Lash serum can help your eyelashes grow. Pick out a lash serum from your local beauty supply store. Swipe it on at night to prolong the growth cycle (anagen phase) of your lash hairs. You'll probably see results in about one month, so keep at it![1]
- Look for a lash serum with biotin in it for best results. It's a B vitamin that's good for your hair, skin, nails, and lashes.[2]
- While some mascaras may claim they help eyelashes grow, a lash serum is the only product that will actually help.
[Edit]Do oils help your eyelashes grow? - Olive oil helps moisturize and condition your lashes. Dip a cotton swab into a bottle of pure olive oil. Wash and dry your lashes, then gently swipe the oil on, being careful not to get it in your eyes. Leave it on overnight and wash it off in the morning for soft, fuller-looking lashes.[3]
- Castor oil can also moisturize and condition your lashes. Wash your eyelids and pat them dry with a towel. Dip a cotton swab or a clean mascara wand into the castor oil, then brush it onto your lashes. Leave the oil on overnight for healthy, thick lashes.[4]
[Edit]How do you manually stimulate eyelash growth? - Comb your eyelashes with a clean spoolie. Grab a spoolie, or a mascara wand, and wash it off with soap and water until it's completely clean. Before you head to bed, brush through your lashes for a few minutes to promote blood flow to the area and (hopefully) make your lashes grow longer.[5]
- Massage your eyelids. After you take your makeup off, put a warm washcloth over your eyelids for 1 to 2 minutes. Wash your hands and dab 1 to 2 drops of olive oil onto your fingertips. Gently massage your eyelids for 3 to 5 minutes, then wipe off the oil before washing your hands again.[6]
[Edit]What lifestyle changes can I make to grow my eyelashes? - Maintain a healthy diet. Not only will it improve your overall health, it will promote strong lashes that don't break as easily. Focus on eating fruits, vegetables, and lean protein to get all the vitamins and minerals that you need for the day.[7]
- Salmon contains omega-3 fatty acids, which promote the growth of full, shiny hair.
- Greek yogurt contains vitamin B5, which promotes blood flow and helps keep hair thick.
- Spinach contains vitamin A, iron, beta carotene, folate, and vitamin C, which combine to give you strong, well-moisturized hair.
- Citrus fruits and guava contain vitamin C, which prevents breakage.
- Meats, iron-fortified cereals, and leafy greens will give you the iron you need to keep your hair growing.
- Lean poultry and other sources of lean protein promote hair growth. When you're not getting enough protein, your hair stops growing.
[Edit]Does petroleum jelly make your eyelashes grow? - No, but it can make your eyelashes softer and stronger. Petroleum jelly is sometimes recommended as a treatment for eyelashes, and while it can help moisturize them, it probably won't make them grow super long.[8] If you'd like to use petroleum jelly on your eyelashes, clean your eyelid area with a mild cleanser and pat it dry. Dip a cotton swab into the petroleum jelly and apply it to your lashes, being careful not to get it in your eye. Do this every night for the best results.[9]
[Edit]How do I protect my lashes from breakage? - Don't pull or tug on your lashes. For the most part, you should try to touch your lashes as little as possible throughout the day. Pulling on them can really cause breakage, and it might make your eyelashes look a little thin.[10]
- Curl your lashes carefully. If you like to curl your lashes, gently place an eyelash curler on top of your lashes as close to your lash line as you can. Squeeze the curler shut, but don't pump the curler—that can damage your eyelashes and make them prone to breakage. When you're done squeezing, move halfway down your lashes and squeeze the curler again.[11]
- Take your makeup off every night. Before you go to sleep, use a gentle makeup remover to wipe off any mascara and eyeshadow you might be wearing. Follow up with a mild facial cleanser, then pat your skin dry. Leaving mascara on for too long can leave your eyelashes feeling dry and brittle, so it's important to do this every night.[12]
- If you wear false lashes, be sure to clean them with a mild cleanser each time you wear them.[13]
- If you get lash lifts, make sure you're using a lash conditioner daily.[14]
- There are many serums on the market that claim to boost lash growth. It's worthwhile to read online reviews before purchasing one, as not all of them work equally well, and some may even cause irritation or allergic reactions.
- Most of these methods will take at least a month to work. Use them consistently for the best results.
- While coconut oil and green tea are sometimes recommended for eyelash growth, olive oil and castor oil are better choices.
[Edit]Warnings - If you suffer from styes or any other eyelid-related issues, be extra careful about what you use on your eyelids and lashes.
- Eyes and the skin around them are sensitive. If you experience any irritation from any of the treatments you're putting on your lashes, stop using them immediately.
[Edit]Related wikiHows [Edit]References
[Edit]Quick Summary |
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