Final answer:
Toddlers need to feel a sense of control over their actions, and it is beneficial to provide them choices within limits and the necessary language to express themselves. Behavior modification techniques like time-out can be helpful for managing negative behavior. Play is a critical means through which toddlers learn and assert control.
Step-by-step explanation:
When dealing with toddlers, it is essential to provide an environment that allows them to exert some control over their actions to foster a sense of independence. The 'me do it' stage, particularly prevalent at two years of age, is indicative of this developmental phase. At this stage, toddlers are not just asserting control but also testing boundaries and exploring the consequences of their actions.
To give toddlers the control they need, it's important to offer choices within limits. For instance, allowing a toddler to choose between two acceptable options for a snack gives them a sense of control while ensuring they make a healthy choice. Furthermore, when directing toddlers to use their words, it's beneficial to provide them with the language they need to express their desires and frustrations appropriately, thus reducing instances of negative behavior like refusal and tantrums.
Another method for managing undesirable behavior is behavior modification techniques such as time-out, which involves removing the child from a desired activity as a consequence of negative behavior, thereby teaching them to associate certain behaviors with certain outcomes.
It is crucial to understand that toddlers are at a stage where they are rapidly developing cognitively and physically, and play is a primary way through which they learn about the world and social norms. Providing them with the opportunity to make decisions and exert control during play is essential for healthy development.