Sing Some Silly Songs Together
Whether it's "The Itsy-Bitsy Spider" or just a tune about brushing your teeth that you made up yourself, the combination of motions with music is fun for toddlers, says Dr. Briggs -- and the gestures help them remember the words. If there's something your kid needs to do, like clean up or get dressed, make up an interactive song to go along with it. For very young toddlers, sing it at a slower pace and exaggerate the motions.
How It Helps Barking an order at your child makes him more likely to resist. But if you make up a song with motions about, say, washing your hands after using the potty (if Laurie Berkner hasn't already) and then encourage your toddler to sing it with you when you actually need him to do just that, he'll be more willing to cooperate without making a fuss.