Teaching Toddlers To Sit in a Chair

By Anisha Nair - Updated: October 31, 2018

In this Article

When Can Toddlers Sit in a Chair By Themselves?
Tips for Teaching Toddlers to Sit on a Chair

Encouraging toddlers to sit on chair can be a daunting task for parents. Since they’re so energetic and easily distracted, it’s tough getting them to listen. However, it’s important to start teaching them to sit still as it enforces discipline and teaches them when to play and when not to.

Toddlers can get very fidgety and uncomfortable when they’re asked to sit still and behave for a while. It can send parents into frustration, trying hard to keep their patience! Yet, there are times when you really want kids to sit still and quietly especially when out at a restaurant with the family, or when there are guests at home. How does one achieve this? Let’s find out.

When Can Toddlers Sit in a Chair By Themselves?

Toddlers between 20-24 months old are usually capable of sitting in a chair by themselves. Some children might even start earlier than that. It’s believed that as soon as a toddler is able to pull himself up from his sleeping position to a wobbly sitting posture, he’s ready to be trained to sit on a chair. However, making a 24-month-old toddler sit still is another matter! He’s full of energy and wants to explore everything. Fortunately, it’s not impossible and with a few hints, you should be able to succeed!

When Can Toddlers Sit in a Chair By Themselves?

Tips for Teaching Toddlers to Sit on a Chair

Make your toddler practice sitting still, even if without a chair. You can also make a game out of it and challenge him to sit still for as long as possible, and reward him with an incentive like a little chocolate. Start by making him sit on your lap, and then move on to a chair. If he has older siblings, ask them to play too.
When teaching him to sit still, don’t play with him as he’ll get distracted.
Try reading his favourite book or story while he sits on the chair. Tell him that you’ll read him a tale only if he sits quietly.
Encourage artistic activities like drawing and painting. Make sure that your child has access to a table or some hard, flat surface for this activity.
Praise his good behaviour. You’ll see that he gets more eager to sit when he associates it with something positive.
Start to observe silent moments, especially during meal times, more frequently than you normally do. This will encourage your toddler to keep quiet like the rest of the family. Children learn what they see adults do, and when your child witnesses everyone in the family keeping quiet, he’ll be more inclined to do the same.
If your 24-month-old refuses to sit on a chair, it could that he’s uncomfortable. A conventional wooden chair might make his back sore and painful, so use soft cushions or have him sit on an upholstered one.

With toddlers, the best course is to have a plan and a lot of patience. They’ll learn how to sit on a chair gradually. You can’t force it. Consistency is very important too. You must make your tot practice sitting still every day otherwise he won’t get used to it. What practices do you adopt to make your toddler sit quietly?

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