When they don't want to show off

Mom knows her little guy can sing the Itsy Bitsy Spider song.  Getting it on camera would be great, but.... he doesn't want to.  This can be very frustrating,  but Mom is very respectful.  When she shows him respect she is helping him learn how to be respectful of her and others.  This makes family life much happier for everyone!

Helping a toddler get through a family gathering

Mom and Dad are helping themselves and their toddler by getting him out of the crowded, noisy room and giving him some space to move.  Parents don't always want to have to leave a fun time,  but giving the kid some space before the toddler melt down is a great plan.

Active reading with 2 year olds

Reading books with little kids doesn't have to be about sitting still.
 

I only like you when you give me cookies.

This Mom handles this so well.  She doesn't get upset when her son tells her he doesn't like her. She know that none of us like each of our family members ALL the time.  Mom just keeps her cool and tells him that she loves him.  Her calm way of handling this will probably help him be honest in the future as well as keep him from saying he doesn't like her just to get a big reaction out of her.

Multitasking 2 year old style

Mom is teaching her little guy the names for shapes while he colors on the shapes..  At his age, he can't really pronounce the names, but he does have  ways of trying to say them.  Mom is very good- she just says the name without trying to get him to say it "right".   He is learning good coloring skills by making lots of marks. Mom knows he can't really be expected to color inside the lines yet.  The "multitasking" of having something to do with their hands, like coloring, makes it easier for many kids to listen.
 

One way to entertain an older baby

Little ones can get bored.  This Dad shows us one way to entertain an older baby or toddler.  Playing and exercising helps everyone behave and sleep better. 

" Wow, I made him laugh!"

Babies learn really early that getting a "reaction" from someone if a good thing!. These two think that they are hilarious.  You can have the same kind of fun with your baby by "reacting" to the cues they give you about what they think is fun or funny, though it might not be what you think is so funny. Try to stay with what the baby finds truly fun.