There are some common ways to encourage good behavior that work with children of any age and a few that can help immensely, to help you deal with your toddler.This is a time when toddlers start becoming more independent.

They turn into little people and develop their own way of doing things. They are naturally curious and learn by testing and experimenting. They touch, and explore, and run away.

To many parents, at this stage, it seems like the toddler is doing certain things on purpose, just to annoy them. It is just that toddlers are very self-centered and are not even aware of what a parent feels or wants. Reasoning with them or explaining why not to do something is useless, because they lack the self control to obey.Child-proof the environment and put away valuable and dangerous things.

The toddler will be able to explore without constantly hearing “NO”. Make sure she has interesting alternatives. For example, if you tell her not to blow bubbles in her milk at lunch, let her go outside later to blow water bubbles. Offer choices. Children like having control over some part of their world. Change the environment wherever possible.

When she wants to cook with you, sit her down far from the hot oven and give her wooden spoons and pots to play with and bang. Children often behave badly because it gets them attention. For children of all ages, even negative attention is always better than not getting attention at all. So by paying too much attention to bad behavior, you may actually end up encouraging it. Try to avoid rewarding any bad behavior.

Don’t pay attention when she is doing something she shouldn’t. Put her down, and walk away from her after you have repeatedly asked her to stop, if she does not listen. Manage all kinds of transition very carefully. Children this age can find it hard to change activities. During such times of change manage stress with extra attention, lots of love and security. Allow them to play with their cuddly toys etc.

If possible try to prepare them for change in advance. Reassure them about a separation. Toddlers will often cry or scream when they are left with someone else because they feel scared of separation from their parents. When you leave her somewhere, say goodbye properly and reassure her that you will certainly come back. When she throws a tantrum, hold her firmly from behind, so that when it is over, she can relax into your arms.

If she is not tired and the tantrum is from some other cause, stay near but pay no attention. Say something like "that won't get you what you want. Finish crying and we will sit together and you can tell me all about it". Toddlers can get very frightened by their own tantrums.

They need to know the adult is in control, and will still love them afterwards.For aggressive children, encourage more active and expressive playing. Hammering, water play, sand play, play dough, painting, and cutting and tearing paper can all help defuse the aggression. Monitor them around other children and clearly let them know that it is not OK to hurt others.

A clinging, whining and demanding toddler may need more attention and security. Let her know that she can ask for a cuddle when she wants. When she plays by herself, take notice and give some extra attention. Reassurance of love and continuing security will encourage her to play alone for longer.If your toddler's behavior becomes very difficult to manage or if you ever become seriously concerned or frustrated it is important to seek professional help