Toddlers have a mind of their own. So, when they want to take off, they will.
With that being said, if you have a toddler, this mom’s hack may very well save your child from becoming lost and save your sanity too!
As the story goes, two friends were visiting at the park when one of the friends noticed how relaxed her friend was as her toddler son wandered around the playground.
After all, playgrounds can be quite packed full of kids making it hard to keep an eye on your own.
That’s when she noticed her friend would get her son’s attention anytime he looked like he was going to wander off.
She would say:
“Jack, where’s Mama? Eyes on Mama—make sure you can see Mama!”
Source
And her toddler son would stop in tracks and make eye contact with his mom.
This trick is pretty simple and genius. It allows the mom to know where her son is at all times but also allows her son to explore just as long as he can see his mom.
If you think this is some magic wizardry, it’s because it sounds like it is.
However, if you want to do the same thing at home, you just need to establish trust with your child and practice this skill by having your child make eye contact during simple tasks.
In fact, according to Jack Maypole, M.D., a pediatrician and educational advisory board member at the Goddard Schoolteaching your toddler to maintain eyeshot is a smart way to set up a boundary built on trust. The best way to reinforce it? Praise. “If your toddler runs off, use a firm voice to call them back,” says Dr. Maypole. “Once they come back, praise them for their good listening skills.” (Source)
Isn’t that just genius?
It’s so simple yet can accomplish so much and I love that it leaves the keeps with a sense of independence while keeping them safe.
So, if you have a toddler or child you want to keep an eye on, try this neat parenting trick!
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