Toddler Discipline
TODDLER DISCIPLINE- HOW TO DEAL WITH ‘NO’?
As the toddler grows and becomes more comfortable with his surroundings and environment, his desire for independence gets stronger. Majority of the parents of toddlers would agree that this display of independent behavior reaches its prime in the age group of 2-3. We must all agree that while toddler discipline problems are many in this age group, it is not very difficult to discourage negative behavior through the smart use of some proven toddler discipline ideas and toddler discipline strategies.
This article aims at helping all those parents who find toddler discipline problems overwhelming, and are looking for some effective toddler discipline ideas and toddler discipline strategies.
ACCEPT NEGATIVE BEHAVIOUR AS A NORMAL DEVLEOPMENTAL BEHAVIOUR
Before trying to implement any toddler discipline ideas and toddler discipline strategies to control and limit the use of no’s by our toddlers, we as parents must realize and accept that the invariable use of the word ‘no’ by your toddler arises from a strong instinct to be independent. Though it is difficult to cope up with this negative behavior, we as parents should learn to accept it as a normal developmental behavior.
TODDLER PROOF YOUR HOME
Try to limit your toddler’s reach to all those things which should not be touched by him. ‘Toddler-proofing’ your home could be the best way to minimize those unnecessary trails of negative behavior. By only allowing access to stuff which is harmless could be your first, yet most effective step to discipline your toddler.
MINIMIZE YOUR OWN USE OF ‘NO’
Try to limit your own use of negative words and phrases as far as possible. Always remember that toddlers and children might not listen to what you say, but they will definitely try to emulate you in whatever you do. So the best way to ease their invariable use of ‘no’ is to use it yourself only when it is utterly necessary. Positive behavior from your end will definitely play a very important role in your toddler discipline.
ENCOURAGE POSITIVE BEHAVIOUR
The best toddler discipline strategy is to reward him when you observe a positive behavior. Toddlers love to be appreciated and it is very likely that he would repeat his positive behavior to be appreciated again.
GIVE YOUR TODDLER CHOICES
Providing your toddler with choices can lead to less ‘no’s’ at home. When you tell your toddler do something particular, it is more than a probability that he will come up with a ‘no’. But if you give him with two choices, it is more likely that he will select from one of those choices. The simple idea behind this toddler discipline strategy being that toddlers like to be independent and choosing something makes him feel that he is taking the calls.
ENCOURAGE TIMELY EATING AND SLEEPING
This is one toddler discipline idea which might seem to be out of place to many, but it is worth knowing that when your toddler has enough rest and is not hungry, he is more likely to play easily without throwing any tantrums. Proper rest and diet will put your toddler more at ease.