Disciplining Your Toddler

Toddlers are hard to discipline simply because you think they are still your baby and it’s hard to put them in timeout. However, it is important for toddlers to learn some limits early on. When you are consistent with discipline from early on you have a better chance of keeping your toddler in line and well behaved. Nevertheless, toddlers are so full of life and interested in everything that they are destined to get in trouble and you must realize how to discipline your toddler correctly.

Time Outs

Most toddlers understand what a timeout means when they are about three years old, but before that they don’t quite get the concept. That means that when you put your 18 month old in time out they don’t grasp that it is because they bit their brother. It is still recommended to put your child in time out for a minute or so to simply allow them to get control of themselves. You should sit with them and help them calm down. Sometimes removing your child from the situation and explaining why they were wrong is what works the best.

Teaching

Don’t think of discipline as punishment. Instead, think of teaching your child how to behave. They are fresh slates and they are too young to know right from wrong. You have to teach them that you don’t bit or kick or that it hurts the dog when he pulls his tail. When you approach discipline from a teaching standpoint you will be less frustrated and your child will have a better chance of learning! For example, if your child pulls the dog’s tail, say, “No, we don’t pull the dog’s tail, but we can pet him.” Then, show your child how to lovingly pet the dog and praise them for it. Doing this will allow your child to learn the proper way to interact with people and animals.

Consistency

Whatever discipline approach you choose, you will need to be consistent. If you put your child in timeout when he hits on the fifth time you are teaching him he can hit and on the fifth time he will be punished. If you don’t want him to hit at all, then every single time he hits place him in time out.

Avoid Situations

Toddlers frequently misbehave when they are in situations they can’t handle. If you know your toddler has a meltdown if he stays up past his bedtime then don’t keep him up past his bedtime. Many times parents are at fault for their toddler’s behavior because they don’t listen to their children’s cues. Pay attention to your toddlers’ needs and you will cut down on many meltdowns and bad behavior!

Posted in Toddler Time