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Behavior Dawn Whittaker Behavior Dawn Whittaker

My Number One Parenting Tip Is to Have a Sense of Humour

Parenting is messy, loud, and unpredictable, but if there’s one thing I’ve learned in 20 years of helping families, it’s this: a sense of humour is your secret weapon. From lotion-covered toddlers to epic sock standoffs, laughing through the chaos not only keeps your sanity intact but also teaches your child resilience, emotional flexibility, and the joy of everyday life. Sometimes, if your child is safe, it’s just not worth getting caught up in the drama. So why not turn it into a story you’ll laugh about for years?

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Behavior Dawn Whittaker Behavior Dawn Whittaker

Brain Development in a Two-Year-Old. It’s Not the Terrible Twos, It’s the Incredible Twos

Your two-year-old’s brain is growing faster than at any other time. Making over a million new connections every second! Those “terrible twos” behaviours aren’t defiance; they’re signs of incredible brain development. Learn what’s really happening inside your toddler’s mind and how to support their growth with empathy, structure, and calm

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Behavior Dawn Whittaker Behavior Dawn Whittaker

How to stop my child from spitting

Toddlers and spit, a combination no parent ever dreams of, yet almost every parent encounters. Spitting is tricky because it’s 100% under your child’s control, and sometimes the more you say “Don’t do it,” the more they want to do it. In this post, I break down why toddlers spit (hint: power, fun, and your reaction all play a role) and share practical strategies that actually work. Calm responses, redirection, and removing the “audience.” If you’re ready to put the brakes on this messy habit, read on.

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Behavior Dawn Whittaker Behavior Dawn Whittaker

My Child Won’t Stay At The Table To Eat

Tired of chasing your toddler under the table while your dinner gets cold? You’re not alone! Family meals are linked to healthier eating and happier kids — but many parents ditch the high chair too soon and end up juggling toddlers on their laps instead of enjoying their own food. This post shares research-backed reasons to keep kids at the table, high chair product picks parents actually love, and practical tips to make mealtimes calmer (and less messy)

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Behavior Dawn Whittaker Behavior Dawn Whittaker

“That’s It! No TV for a Week!” Why Idle Threats Don’t Work on Toddlers (and Might Make Things Worse)

If you've ever threatened to cancel TV for a week because your toddler threw a meatball, you're not alone but you're also not helping. Discover why idle threats don’t work, what the research says about toddler discipline, and how logical consequences now can help raise respectful teenagers later.

Let me know if you'd like a shorter version for meta tags or something quirkier for your blog header!

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Behavior Dawn Whittaker Behavior Dawn Whittaker

How to React When My Toddler Hits Me. A Developmentally Informed Guide for Parents

Your toddler just smacked you in the face and you're wondering if you're raising a tiny barbarian. (Spoiler: you're not.) This blog breaks down why toddlers hit (hint: it's about brain development, not bad behavior) and gives you simple, effective tools to respond with calm and confidence. Backed by research, grounded in reality, and designed to make you feel human again.

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Behavior Dawn Whittaker Behavior Dawn Whittaker

“Please” and “Thank You”Teaching Toddlers Manners and Gratitude

If you’ve ever locked eyes with your toddler after handing them a snack and waited in vain for a “thank you,” only to receive a blank stare or, worse, a demand for a different color cup, this one’s for you. Teaching manners and gratitude to toddlers isn’t about raising little Victorian tea guests it’s about helping them build empathy, connection, and social awareness (while maybe reducing public meltdowns along the way).

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