Consistency
What is consistency? Consistency is maintaining predictability in expectations, actions, and reactions. When expectations are not consistent, toddlers can become easily confused. This confusion can lead to the child testing boundaries and engaging in power struggles.
Consistency is important to the social, emotional and cognitive development of babies and young children. Regularity, predictability, routines, orderliness, and setting and enforcing limits contribute to a positive consistent environment.
Repeated experiences in a consistent environment help strengthen networks of connections in the brain. These connections form the foundation for the development of trust in others, self-esteem, behavior regulation, and many other abilities. Additionally, toddlers who experience consistency tend to be calmer and more able to maintain emotional stability.