In the whirlwind world of raising a toddler, actress Ishita Dutta has found a formula that cuts through the chaos. Her son Vayu, at two-and-a-half, embodies the classic signs of toddlerhood: fierce autonomy, quick tempers, and epic tantrums when reality doesn’t match expectations.
‘He’s all about DIY now,’ Ishita laughs. Feeding himself, dressing up, shoe struggles—every task is a mission. But when chubby fingers fumble, irritability kicks in, morphing into what experts call toddler meltdowns.
Ishita’s journey involved trial and error. Tough love? Failed. Shouting matches? Worse. Sweet talk? Ignored. Even maternal tears didn’t help. The breakthrough came with acceptance: during a meltdown, logic is futile. Parents must anchor themselves first.
Her strategy is elegantly simple. She plants herself beside the fury, whispers ‘Mama’s right here, everything’s fine,’ and waits. No fixing, just unwavering support. This validates the child’s emotions, teaching them self-regulation over time.
Beyond crises, Ishita champions ‘options over orders.’ At mealtime: ‘Mommy feeds or big pieces?’ Clothing: Pick from two shirts. ‘They feel in charge, but boundaries stay firm,’ she notes. This subtle shift reduces power struggles, boosting confidence.
Vayu’s progress speaks volumes—fewer fits, more smiles. Ishita’s wisdom cuts across cultures: perfection isn’t the goal. Embrace the mess, offer choices, stay steady. In toddler parenting, less control yields more harmony.