MANAGING TODDLERS : TODDLER DISCIPLINE

For anyone who has had to deal with a misbehaving toddler, you know how frustrating it can be at times. It seems as if what we say to them sometimes goes in one ear and right out the other. We spend most of our time saying “No“, “Stop” or “Don’t do that” that it seems we never get to really say anything of quality to them. In this article I want to give you a few tips on how to discipline your toddler more effectively besides just saying “No”.

• REDIRECTION
  This is my favorite form of discipline for toddlers. Basically redirection is telling a child “no” if they are doing something that they aren’t suppose to be doing and then redirecting them to an activity that they can do. For example, telling your child “No you cannot play with mommy’s key but you can plan with your blocks” is a form of redirection.
• REWARD CHART
  A reward chart is a really good tool for you to use on your toddler who is 24-36 months old. Giving your toddler praise whenever you see them doing something positive is a good way to show them what an appropriate action is. Whenever you see them doing something positive, like sharing or picking up their toys without being asked, then let them put a sticker on their reward chart. Once they get so many stickers, let them receive a prize. Don’t always highlight the negative, recognize the good as well.
• GIVE THEM YES SITUATIONS
  Try giving your toddler yes’s instead of no’s. If you have a toddler that likes to climb on furniture, then provide them with a toy that they can climb on. If you have a child that likes to play in your kitchen cabinet, then give them a cabinet they can play in. Always saying no can be tiring, so providing yes situations can be less stressful on you and more productive for your toddler.
• TIME OUT
  At about two years old your toddler is able to understand the concept of “time out”. Have a space in your house designated for this purpose. What works for me is a chair placed in the corner. Have it away from the main area of your home, but in your eye sight. Golden Rule: One minute per the age of your toddler. Set a timer, place them in time out and walk away. Be consistent. If they get up don’t say anything to them, just pick them up and place them back in the chair. When their time is up, let them go back to playing.
• TOY TIME OUT
  If you have a toy that you are constantly taking away from your toddler for misuse, or if your children are fighting over a toy, take it away and put it in a “Toy Time Out” box and keep it there for the rest of the day.

• Be consistent: If you say you are going to do something, then do it. Don’t let a bad behavior slide because you are tired or too busy. Always stick to what you started.
• Have a plan: Toddlers need consistency. They need to know what’s going to happen and when. By having a routine it will not only make your day more organized, it will also make your day go smoother. Trying having a schedule with pictures hanging somewhere in the main part of your home. Toddlers are visual, so if you eat lunch and then lay them down for a nap afterwards, let your picture schedule reflect that. Show a small child eating and then show them laying down. Better yet, take pictures of your toddler doing these things. Once they get into a routine they will know, “Hey, after I eat I take a nap. And then when I wake up me and mommy will read a story.”
• Make changes: If something just isn’t working, and you have given it enough time, then change it. Try out different things until you find something that works for you and your family.