Toddler Discipline
Toddlers are old enough to begin to learn about following directions, what “No” means and have a routine to follow. When my children were toddlers, I began to teach them about what is right and wrong, about manners, and how to control their frustration.
Having a routine makes things so much easier for both you as a parent and for your child. It creates a feeling of comfort and creates limits which all children need. Knowing when lunch and naps are makes your days easier by preventing frustration.
Of course with all of our best intentions put into place, children will misbehave. We as adults do! So what to do about it?
Consequences – If your little boy refuses to help clean up his toys, then those toys are taken away for a few hours or the rest of the day. When your little girl jumps on the couch then she can’t sit on the couch for the day.
Time Out – Use only when your toddler can’t control him or herself. If their anger or frustration is too difficult for them to handle on their own, a time out may be in order. At this age, don’t use a time out to punish.
Taking Away Privileges – Remove a special toy, book, or game that a child enjoys for a day. The difference between this and Consequences is that the item that is removed is not related to the behavior.
When you discipline, refrain from yelling or showing anger. Treat the situation in a matter of fact way. This way you are not giving attention to misbehavior. Children crave attention and will want it even if it is in negative form. I’ll write about positive attention in another post. And don’t forget to speak eye to eye. Get at down to your child’s level when speaking.
What works for you? Do you think that something works better based on your child’s temperament? Share what you do and don’t do too.
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Comments
I was (and still am) very lucky. Our son, no longer anywhere near toddler age, was the perfect kid. At the age of three, out of the blue one evening, he decided to give it a go – read “have a tandrum.” After lying on his back for about 20 seconds kicking and waving his arms, and screaming, honest to god, he got up, walked into the kitchen, climbed into his highchair, and APOLOGIZED to me! Yep, he said, “Sorry about that mom, it won’t happen again.” And it never did… LOL!
Never had a 2nd (child), figured God wouldn’t be so generous the 2nd time around LOL!
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Comment by Diane Scott Once when my girls were fighting and driving me crazy, I did not say a word and took them both by the arm. Then I sat in my chair. I had them stand facing each other, on both sides of my legs. I put my hand on top of each of their heads and said “The punishment is you have to look each other in the eye.” Within a minute they were crying and hugging each other. They still remember that and have used it on their own children. It works!
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Comment by Barbara Sorry, the comment form is closed at this time.
I’m a big fan of letting the consequences suit the crime. Creative punishment is far more effective than corporeal punishment. Plus it lasts longer, so the kid has more time to think about it.
Time outs are very useful, but I think of them more as mommy time outs than kid time outs. In other words, when you can’t stand them any longer, send them to their rooms! It gives you time to be creative, and calm down.