LoveITT: How Do You Feel?

This weeks link up is all about how we get our toddlers to communicate. Sometimes I think that Leighton and I had this down a lot better when she was 1 and couldn't speak. When Leighton was about 8 months old I started teaching her baby sign language and she really caught on to it around 10 months and she has been speaking in some form or another ever since. Now that my 2 year is as sensitive and dramatic as a 14 year old the biggest thing i am trying to teach her how to properly express her emotions. This one is hard for me, sometimes i want to place her in her room and tell her we don't cry, ever. She is a crying fool. Really Leighton can drop a pouty lip, watery eyes and heart wrenching scream at the drop of a hat. I usually have to tell myself to stay calm and then I say something like "I can see that you are upset right now, are you angry or sad?" She usually doesn't say which one but if i know the situation i will make a really dramatic face and say something to follow the situation. "sister taking your toy makes you angry." or "Tiffany (our dog) pushing you down makes you very sad." Recognizing a feeling with a situation helps toddlers to put a word to their feelings. Sometimes i also offer feeling exercies. Like punching pillows or throwing balls. When she is excited, happy or scared i name those emotions as well. Sometimes she will say "I am so happy mommy'" What is better than that!? The other way we identify and learn emotions is through the book, The Way I Feel. I have always loved this book and even memorized it when i taught at a Montessori years ago. Leighton can see the emotions on every page and recognizes them. Books are really one of the best ways to teach communication in general. They hear more words when you read, identify with them and then use them on their own, more than when you don't read at all or rely on apps and television.

What are you working on communicating with your toddler? Dont forget to link up!

We are back with week three of our series and hopefully this helps you other mamas to find out how to help your toddler communicate! Make sure to check out the other 10 wonderful mamas who are posting with me this week. And don't forget to write your own post and link it up below!