Make Wise Choices: A Fun & Practical Approach to Toddler Behavior

Toddlers, Tantrums & Triumphs: A Real Parent’s Guide to Better Behavior

Let’s be real: toddlers are tiny, unpredictable creatures with the emotional range of an Oscar-winning actor. One minute, they’re giggling over a goldfish cracker, and the next, they’re in full meltdown mode because their banana broke. Sound familiar? Welcome to the rollercoaster of toddlerhood, where we, as parents, are just holding on for dear life.

I realized early on that traditional discipline methods weren’t cutting it for my son. Telling him to “be good” was about as effective as asking a cat to do taxes. He needed something tangible, something engaging—enter my MAKE WISE CHOICES: It’s Up to You! behavior tracker.

The Behavior Tracker That Changed Everything

I created this simple yet powerful tool as a way to help my toddler understand his behavior in real-time. I laminated it (because, let’s be honest, everything in a toddler’s vicinity needs to be spill-proof), and each day, I’d use a dry-erase marker to note his behavior. Some days, it read DOING GREAT! or OUTSTANDING! Other days, it was a solid NEEDS WORK. And on the rare, apocalyptic days? TRY AGAIN TOMORROW. Because sometimes, that’s exactly what they need—a reset, a fresh start, a literal nap before the madness continues.

It’s a bit of a game, but it’s also an introduction to real life. Actions have consequences, and while we’re not doling out pink slips for bad attitudes, we are gently guiding them toward self-awareness and better choices.

Why This Works (A Little Child Psychology for You)

1. Immediate Feedback: Young children live in the now. They need instant cause-and-effect to understand their actions, and this tracker provides that in a fun, interactive way.

2. Growth Mindset in Action: The words TRY AGAIN TOMORROW don’t mean failure—they mean another opportunity to improve. This helps foster resilience, an essential life skill.

3. The Power of Choice: Rather than labeling kids as “bad” or “good,” we reinforce the idea that they are in control of their behavior. It’s their choice—and they have the power to make a different one at any time.

Real Talk: What I’ve Learned Along the Way

This whole system works best when we, as parents, take a step back and really look at what’s driving the behavior. Are they misbehaving because they’re bad? Nope. More often than not, they’re overstimulated, hungry, or need a break from screens (seriously, post-YouTube tantrums are next-level). I’ve made it a habit to pause, assess the situation, and introduce quiet moments—whether it’s a one-on-one snack time, a book break, or just a cuddle session.

Ready to Try It?

Good news! I’m making the MAKE WISE CHOICES behavior tracker available as a free digital download. Grab it here: MAKE WISE CHOICES POSTER.

Give it a shot—laminate it, slap it on the fridge, and watch how something so simple can make a world of difference in your toddler’s behavior (and your sanity). Because at the end of the day, parenting isn’t about perfection; it’s about progress.

Here’s to more DOING GREAT! days ahead! 💪🎉