Discovering Gravity
Although you may not appreciate it much at all when your little one tosses their ravioli across the room, you should understand what is probably running through that little head of theirs. Toddlers love when they start discovering new things. Throwing is only one of the many exciting discoveries they will be making.
Sure, they may not know what the word gravity means but they definitely can be fascinated with the way it works. They are learning that everything they are able to throw will always come down. They are developing amazing motor skills that allow them to grasp something, and know when to release that grasp to effectively throw it.
Try not to punish them for this discovery unless it is putting them, you, or someone in danger. Of course, what they throw can play an important role in what is acceptable. If they are choosing to throw their toy truck in the living room, that will likely end in something being broken, try to redirect them to something suitable to throw.
Stock up on plenty of light and small balls that can safely be tossed around the house. When you see your little about to throw that toy truck, gently take it from and tell him that trucks are not for throwing. Give them one of the indoor balls and tell him it is ok to throw it.
Your little one will learn what is ok to throw and what isn’t. A great way for them to do this is to play tossing games with them, and let them naturally see that these balls are for throwing. If you have an empty box, or even a clothes basket, you can set it a few feet away on the floor. Then spend a little time taking turns, playing and tossing the soft balls into the basket.
Your toddler may develop the frustrating habit of throwing things in frustration. This may be throwing things at you or simply across the room during a tantrum, or throwing rocks and sand at you or someone while outside. If this happens try to be calm, although I know that can be difficult. At first don’t make a big deal out of it and they may actually see that it does not get them any attention. Then they won’t be likely to repeat it. However, in some cases they may repeat it anyways.
If this happens try to lead them to communicate their frustration in another way. Tell them it is not ok to throw these, or to throw in that situation. It may be necessary to tell them no, and lead them away from the situation in a small time out. Remember, you don’t want a time out to be too long or they will lose focus on why they are in time out.
Your little one will eventually learn what is ok to throw and what isn’t. They will surely love it if you spend a little bit of time each day playing tossing games as described above. This is a fascinating new skill and who wants to take away such an exciting new time from their little one?
