What is the best approach when a toddler ignores a request?

When a toddler ignores a request, calmly guiding the child to comply is considered the best approach because it fosters a supportive and positive environment. This method reinforces the child's understanding of expectations while maintaining a secure emotional atmosphere. It encourages cooperation without escalating tension or fear, which can result from punitive measures or raised voices.

Calm guidance also helps in developing the child's listening and understanding skills, as it provides an opportunity for positive interaction between the caregiver and the toddler. By modeling patience and composure, the adult helps the child learn how to respond appropriately to requests, and this becomes a teachable moment rather than a confrontational one.

Other approaches, like ignoring the behavior, may fail to address the underlying cause of the child's lack of response, while increasing the volume can create a level of stress or anxiety. Punishment strategies can damage the trust and communication between the caregiver and child, fostering resistance rather than cooperation.