Question
I have two topics in regards to my 2yo daughter.
About 1 month ago, she started to take off her clothes and diapers all of a sudden. She would sometimes announce "ugh, hot" and then just take off everything she has on. So far she has only done it at home or inside her relatives homes, but on several occasions during our Christmas trip to Brazil, she would do it during big family gatherings and would just run around everyone completely naked and super happy, singing and dancing.
What's up with this need to take off all her clothes (and then refusing to put them back on) and how do we handle that?
What does she need to learn to be safe?
I noticed she really doesn't like to wear diapers but I do not feel she is at all ready to start potty training.
She has also started to say really strong words, like "hate", "stupid", "ew, gross", "bad baby". It's probably words she has picked up from her brother as he would say those really often between 5 and 6 years old (and many of the times to her, as you know, we have been and are still struggling with him getting used to being one of 4). He is now very well aware he should try to choose other words and has been doing it well, especially in front of his sister. I tried to model other choices of words for her and tell her that "hate" for example is not a nice word - but does she understand? How do we teach her?
Thank you so much!!
Answer
1. This doll can help:
https://amzn.to/3NRHVCe
When she took her clothes off in Brazil I imagine she got a huge response of joy and laughter from the adults. That my friend is a "toddler drug" meaning they will repeat any action over and over again that creates a large response from a caregiver...this is also the reason why she may be using the "not nice words". She is a scientist constantly noticing how the world responds to her. Toddlers will try different ways to engage toys, people and their own body. Each one an experiment and only repeating the ones that bring them the most joy or the biggest reaction, even anger from another person.
So when she takes off her clothes keep it short, simple and as flat toned in your voice as possible. You can say, "It's not bath time, let's put on our clothes.” Then give her one item of the clothes to put on and help her with the rest. This response may result in a tantrum but stick to helping her dress.
2. When she says a "bad" word again, short, simple and a flat vocal tone. You can say "you are angry, but we don't use those words, just say I'm angry" then stop talking and move on. Short and sweet. Less is more with 2 year old's.