How To Raise A Happy Toddler.

Sharing these tips I got from Babycenter.com. Parenting a toddler is a no joke and we, especially mothers, need all the right information and know the perfect cues to recognize our kids' needs.

1. Learn to read the signs
~ The signs are usually obvious: A happy child smiles, plays, exhibits curiosity, shows interest in other children, and doesn't need constant stimulation. An unhappy child is withdrawn, quiet, not eating very much, doesn't spontaneously get involved with other children, doesn't play, doesn't ask questions, doesn't laugh and smile, and has very spare speech. However, shyness is not the same as sadness, but you'll have to work harder to read his signs.

2. Make room for fun
~ Connect with them, play with them. If you're having fun with them, they're having fun. If you create a 'connected childhood,' that is by far the best step to guarantee your child will be happy.

3. Help them develop their talents
~ Happy people are often those who have mastered a skill.

4. Healthy bodies equal happy children
~ Lots of sleep, exercise, and a healthy diet are important to everyone's well-being, especially children's.

5. Let them struggle with problems
~ Children need to learn to tolerate some distress, some unhappiness. Let them struggle, figure out things on their own, because it allows them to learn how to cope.

6. Allow them to be sad or mad
~ Children need to know that it's okay to be unhappy sometimes — it's simply part of life.

7. Be a role model
~ Research shows that you can pass on your temperament to your children — not necessarily through your genes — but through your own behavior and childrearing style.

8. Teach them to do meaningful things
~ As your toddler gets older, she can be taught how satisfying it can be to help others.