Parenting a toddler can feel like walking a tightrope, especially when your little one hits that defiant two-to-three-year-old phase. Mumbai-based actress Ishita Dutta knows this all too well. With her two-and-a-half-year-old son Vayu testing boundaries daily, she’s mastered the art of calm amid chaos.
Vayu, like many kids his age, insists on doing everything himself—from spooning food to tying shoelaces. These bids for independence are natural, but they often crash into frustration when tasks prove too tricky. What starts as mild irritation spirals into full-blown meltdowns, leaving parents exhausted.
Ishita recalls trying every tactic in the book: stern warnings, raised voices, gentle coaxing, even tears of her own. ‘Nothing works in the heat of the moment,’ she shares. ‘Scolding or reasoning falls on deaf ears. The key is staying calm and giving space.’
When Vayu erupts, Ishita sits nearby, offering quiet reassurance: ‘It’s okay, Mama’s here.’ This simple presence builds trust, allowing the storm to pass without escalation. It’s a lesson in patience over perfection—no parent nails it every day.
Her golden rule? Ditch commands for choices. Instead of ‘Eat now,’ ask, ‘Shall I feed you, or do you want small bites?’ Offer two outfit options rather than dictating. ‘It empowers them, makes them feel heard, while you retain gentle control,’ Ishita explains.
This approach fosters independence without battles. As Vayu grows more confident, meltdowns dwindle. Ishita’s tips remind us: effective parenting thrives on empathy, options, and unflappable calm. Toddlers aren’t rebelling—they’re discovering themselves. Guide with choices, and watch the magic unfold.