The Happiest Baby on the Block and The Happiest Toddler on the Block 2-Book Bundle pdfdrive com

Green-Light Skill #1: Time-Ins
Boost cooperation with bits of attention, praise, and
play.
I’m sure you’ve heard of time-out (where a misbehaving child is made to
sit alone). Well, time-in is just the opposite. It’s when a well-behaving
child is given tiny bits of play and encouragement. Experienced parents
and teachers know that a steady stream of time-ins is a much more
effective way of raising a happy, cooperative child than a steady stream
of time-outs!
There are many types of time-ins. I’d like to talk to you about three of
my favorites:
• attention
• praise
• play
Time-Ins: Attention

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Time-Ins: Attention
When we think of encouraging good behavior, we naturally think of
praise. Praise is great, and I’ll discuss it in just a minute. But even more
important is just paying a little attention!
What It Is:
Showing your child you’re interested in what he’s doing
makes him feel great. (Remember, you’re his rock star! How would you
feel if your idol watched you do something with genuine interest?)
Best Used For:
All toddlers, all day long!
How to Do It:
Think in terms of bite-size bits. (You don’t have to
stay glued to your toddler’s side 24/7.) Here are ten easy ways to feed
the meter with just a look, a touch, or a few words:
• Sit with her and quietly watch … with interest.
• Wink.
• Smile.
• Raise your eyebrows and nod your head in pleasant surprise.
• Give a thumbs-up sign.
• Give a hug.
• Tousle her hair or touch her back.
• Shake hands or give a high five.
• While watching him, say, “Hmmm” … “Uh-huh” … “Wow.”
• Briefly describe what she is doing.
Massage (A Very Special Type of Attention)
Lavish your toddler with loving touch! Touch is a rich “food” for
growth. Your toddler could easily live without milk, but he’d be
scarred for life without loving touch. (I agree with the noted

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psychologist Virginia Satir, who said we all need four hugs a day for
survival, eight to stay calm, and twelve to grow stronger.)