Strange behaviour
In a much older child or adult, strange behaviour could be cause for concern, but in toddlers strange behaviour is normal. Examples of strange behaviour include:
- Eating lunch only if it's served on a blue and white plate.
- Drinking out of only one beaker and getting upset if you try to give them any other cup.
- Eating sandwiches only if they're cut into squares instead of triangles.
- Refusing to give up old shoes that no longer fit, even when you've bought new ones.
- Wanting the same bedtime story read to them ten times a night.
- Watching a favourite video over and over again without getting bored.
Such strange behaviour can be puzzling for adults, but it's absolutely normal. It's an attempt by your toddler to control and make sense of their world.
Let your toddler have as many choices as possible - you might try letting them choose which plate or cup they want to use, for example. As it's under their control, they may eventually opt for a new one - but don't worry if they don't.
It's much easier to go along with your toddler and humour their needs until they grow out of this strange behaviour.
