Lessons from my niece

Lesson #1 on being a toddler: develop independence by saying no

#2: doesn't always understand own emotions, ends up often frustrated

#3: doesn't understand deep sadness over something like a broken cookie will soon pass, needs help processing emotions

#4: still figuring out what rules to follow and why, needs coaching to learn

#5: has to learn to share and the concept of taking turns (developmentally focused on "mine")

#6: learning how to respond to other's emotions

#7: needs to be shown what to do instead of being told no all the time (save the no for dangerous things)

#8: older toddlers can accept explanations, but younger ones need redirection (other options) or help making desired behavior more fun

#9: learning to understand consequences (unfortunately for most of us, the consequences were probably too harsh)

#10: they need praise

Sounds like a fun series of lessons!