For Families & Educators

Explaining Rules and Limits

Toddlers benefit from simple explanations of why rules exist and how they benefit from following them. For instance, saying, “When you share toys, everyone has fun together,” helps them understand the cause and effect. 

Try This: 

• Explain Requests: Keep explanations age-appropriate and connect the behavior to positive outcomes. “When you help clean up, we’ll have more time for another story.” 

• Use Natural Consequences: Reinforce the impact of their actions in a way they can grasp, e.g., putting away a toy if it’s thrown away to help them understand that play has rules.