Dealing with the toddler years without losing your mind

The toddler years...

You have just barely gotten used to the whole sleeping through the night thing, (unless you have younger kids as well!) and here you are: trying to get a handle melt downs, whining and disobedience.
I know, I know...you are feeling like you may have lost your mind.

I don't have all the answers, but just wanted to give my favorite verses to have toddlers memorize.
You can write them out and put them up on the wall, you can write them and have your kids color them, and you can put them to music!
Seriously...I still have songs memorized that I learned when I was little!
Music is such an easy way to get scripture in your mind!

Having them around the house is not only going to help them, but trust me...it is going to help you!
It is a constant reminder to both of you that God is who is ultimately in control!
I want my kids to obey me when I am with them.
But even more than that? I want my kids to obey me when I am not with them!

Ephesians 6:1
Children obey your parents in the Lord for this is right.
(this can start out with just children obey if it's too long for them.)

Ephesians 4:32
Be kind to one another.

1 Peter 5:8
Be self-controlled

Leviticus 19:11
Do not lie

These can pretty much sum up everything you are dealing with in the toddler years.
If they say no to you, if they whine after you tell them not to...remind them.
What does God tell us to do in Ephesians 6:1? Children have to obey their parents!

If they hit their brother, if they do anything that is unkind...remind them of this one!
God tells us to be kind!

When they aren't showing control over their emotions...this is a big one.
If you're in the middle of it, you might feel like this is constant.
Don't let it become a habit for them!
If they are crying because they don't get their way, if they are throwing a temper tantrum...
Don't coddle them. Tell them what is expected.
God tells us we have to Be self-controlled.

I understand that kids will have emotions, and they don't exactly know what to do with these feelings when they are toddlers.
But our job is to teach them what to do when these feelings come.
Don't think that a 2 or 3-year-old can't learn this! You have to start young...you are helping them create habits on how they live their lives.

When you find them lying...that has to be stopped right away.
God takes lying very seriously, and so should we.
Do not lie is so simple to remember and have them repeat back to you.

I always showed them where the verse was in the Bible.
I know they can't read yet, but giving them something visual to remember is always a good idea.
You are setting the standard from the beginning that you get your orders from God's Word.
It is emphasizing the fact that there is a greater accountability than just mom and dad.

Don't just quote it to them...Have them repeat it back to you!
It is so sweet to hear kids quoting scripture.

So...it IS possible to deal with the toddler years without losing your mind!
If you are right in the middle of it?
HANG ON!!
You can do it.
A few ideas:
*Make a plan to try and work through the major issues you deal with every day.
*Take one issue per day, and let the other ones go for a little bit...For example.
deal with just your child saying no. Be consistent with that one and don't let it slide even once.
Don't get overwhelmed with everything. Even though it may seem like there are issues all over the place, everything can be narrowed down to one of a few root issues!
*Get a friend you trust to pray for you and keep you accountable!

And of course, don't forget to be spending your own personal time with God, and learning verses that YOU need for yourself!

And eat some ice cream.
Duh...answer to just about every problem!