Toddler behaviour

Tantrums, hitting, boundaries, sharing and being listened to without shouting.

Being consistent when you're exhausted
In the daytime you hold the line, by seven in the evening you give in to everything. Bloom explains why that's logical, why fewer rules work better than more, and... Read more...
The “terrible twos”: why toddlers say no to everything
Everything is no, everything has to be done alone, and no help is allowed. Bloom explains what's happening in a two-year-old's brain and how to get through this stage without... Read more...
When children lie: what's normal and how to respond
There's a broken cup and nobody did it. Bloom explains why lying is a developmental step, why catching them out backfires, and how to make honesty easier. Read more...
Praise that works (and praise that backfires)
"You're so clever!" is well meant and often backfires. Bloom explains why praising the process beats praising the talent, and gives concrete phrases you can use. Read more...
Getting children to listen without shouting
You ask five times and only when you shout does anything happen. Bloom explains how children learn to ignore the first four times — and how to break that pattern. Read more...
Time-out or time-in: what to do when your child explodes
Upstairs, or right beside you on the sofa? Bloom explains the difference between a time-out and a time-in, when each fits, and why talking during an outburst never works. Read more...
Punishments and rewards: what works in the long run?
Reward charts work — until they stop working. Bloom explains what punishment and reward really do, when they make sense, and which approach pays off more in the long run. Read more...
Imaginary friends: why they're usually nothing to worry about
An extra plate has to go on the table for someone who isn't there. Why imaginary friends are common and healthy, how to respond, and the rare signs worth checking. Read more...
Shopping with a toddler: how to avoid the supermarket meltdown
The supermarket is where it goes wrong most often. Bloom explains why it's that place in particular, and gives an approach that turns it from a fight into a chore. Read more...
Learning to share: why toddlers find it so hard (and what helps)
"Just share!" everyone says, and your toddler grips the car tighter. Bloom explains from what age sharing is possible, why forcing it backfires, and what does help. Read more...
Fear of failure: when your child is afraid to get it wrong
Stomach ache before a test, not daring to try anything, rubbing out everything that isn't perfect. Bloom explains where fear of failure comes from and which phrases at home make... Read more...
Helping your child name their emotions
A child who can say they're angry doesn't have to hit. Bloom explains how to teach naming feelings, why "don't cry" backfires, and which phrases you can use. Read more...
Highly sensitive children: when everything lands harder
The label in the seam of a shirt, the noise of a birthday party, your mood from three rooms away. Bloom explains what high sensitivity is, what it isn't, and... Read more...
Sibling jealousy: from rivals to allies
Fighting over everything, from the blue cup to who goes first. Bloom explains why jealousy between children is normal, why "fair" isn't the same as "equal", and how to respond... Read more...
Biting, hitting and pushing: why toddlers do it and how to respond
Nursery rang: your toddler has bitten someone again. Why toddlers hit and bite, what to do in the moment, and what genuinely reduces the behaviour. Read more...
Saying no with love: setting boundaries without guilt
Many mothers find saying no hard. Not because they're weak, but because they love their child. How to set boundaries that feel right — for your child and for you. Read more...
Toddler tantrums: what's normal, and what actually helps?
Your toddler throws themselves on the supermarket floor in tears. Hard, but normal. Why tantrums happen, what helps in the moment, and when to ask for support. Read more...