No matter how many positive vibes, good examples, or picture books you share, your curious little explorer is bound to pick up a few less-than-adorable habits along the way. Whether it’s something they saw a friend do, copied from an older sibling, or picked up during a cheeky screen time session—rest assured, it’s completely normal.
Let’s take a deep breath, laugh a little, and dive into some of the most common toddler habits—and how to gently guide your little one through them.
The Nose-Picker
Yep… they found it. And they’re fascinated. Whether it’s boredom, curiosity, or just convenience, those little fingers seem to gravitate up the nose.
What to do:
Calmly explain that noses are best cleaned with a tissue. Keep tissues handy, and show them how to use one—bonus points for letting them pick a fun box design. Carry a pocket-sized hand sanitiser too, and remind them it's all about staying healthy, not shame.
🧼 Pro tip: Turn it into a game—"Can you get the tissue to the rescue before your finger gets there?"
The Great Book Repeater
The same story. Again. And again. And again. It might drive you to the brink—but to your toddler, repetition is comforting, predictable, and joyful.
What to do:
Lean into it. The nightly repeat builds memory, language, and bonding. You can keep it fun for yourself by changing up voices or asking them to fill in words. That beloved book won’t be their forever favourite— but this stage might be.
🧠 Bonus benefit: Repetition isn't just comforting—it’s fantastic for your child’s linguistic development. Hearing the same words and sentence structures over and over helps toddlers learn vocabulary, syntax, and rhythm, and builds a solid foundation for early reading skills.
❤️ Remember: It’s not the story—it’s the shared moment they treasure.
The Whiny Voice
That high-pitched, drawn-out “Muuummmmmyyyy!” sound? Yep, you’re deep in the whining phase.
What to do:
Stay calm and consistent. Gently say: “I can’t understand you when you speak like that—can you try again with your normal voice?”. Toddlers are smart—they’ll soon realise that whining doesn’t get the result they want.
🎧 Your calm voice teaches them more than words ever could.
🦷 The Bite-Sized Drama
Teething frustration? Overstimulation? Communication breakdown? Sometimes toddlers bite—and it can be alarming.
What to do:
Respond swiftly but gently. Let them know: “Biting hurts. It makes people feel sad.” Use their growing emotional awareness to explain why it’s not OK, and model empathy: “You can say ‘I’m upset’ instead.”
👁🗨 Keep an eye on patterns—biting often happens when they’re overwhelmed or need attention.
The Great Escape Artist
Off come the clothes—again! For toddlers, stripping down is often just about curiosity, comfort, or control.
What to do:
Try not to make a big deal of it. Simply remind them that “private parts are for private places”, and give them a safe space to explore their independence, like choosing their clothes or practising dressing themselves.
👚 Some parents swear by back-zipped onesies or "nappy-proof" pants during this phase!
One Final Note: You’re Doing Great
These quirky toddler habits might be frustrating, but they’re also totally age-appropriate stepping stones in your child’s development. What they need most is your calm, loving guidance—and a whole lot of patience.
✨ Keep leading with empathy, consistency, and a good dose of humour—and your little tinker will find their way, one quirky habit at a time.
