One of the most difficult jobs you will have with a toddler is discipline. There is no getting round it – your toddler is going to misbehavior no matter how good a parent you are. All you can do is your best. There are going to some moments that you will remember all your life – and you will tell the tales back to your child when they are older and possibly embarrass them a little!
I have complied a small list of tips to help you on the way of managing and limiting this behavior.
Stay calm and don’t lose your temper – Don’t lose your temper is really the most important rule when dealing with toddlers. There is also the strong possibility the toddler will ‘learn’ this behavior and demonstrate this later on in life.
Set limits and be consistent with them: Children need to know the limits – you must stay consistent with these limits or your child will learn that they can stretch these limits. Never underestimate a toddler’s ability to get what they want!
Show you love them: everyone needs to be loved and no more than your toddler! Tell them you love them regularly. They need constant reassurance on this matter. Cuddles are important too.
Communicate possibly and firmly – Be firm but fair. Don’t be negative all the time about your child’s behavior.
Toddler proof your home – Make sure any objects that can cause harm are out of the way. Remember the phrase ‘if it can happen it will happen. Take away objects that can cause the child to miss behave. If you don’t want your toddler to play with your mobile (If you want it too continue to work for any length of period I would suggest you don’t!) make sure it is out of reach. Same goes for any breakable objects – make sue your toddler can’t reach them. This will save on a few battles!
Recognize triggers to bad behavior – Try to minimize these ‘triggers’. Prevention is better than the cure!
Parental tensions in the house: remember that kids can pick tension within the house. Try not to argue in front of the child or get involved in full blown rows when they are in the house. These kids can have a profound effect on your child. This type of behavior can be learned by your child. Don’t be afraid to show affection to your partner in front of your child. Inevitably they will want involved in any cuddle and there is nothing wrong with a group hug ever so often!
Alan Murray is the webmaster of a Baby Names site. The site has much more than just baby names, with sections on parenting, Breastfeeding, and Toddlers.
Kate
December 20, 2009Oh, this advice is very timely in my house at my son is trying to prove that the 3s are more terrible than the 2s! Thanks for the great tips, Alan.
Amanda
December 21, 2009These are great tips. And I agree with Kate, 3′s are more terrible than 2′s. Both of my boys have proven that. I especially like the toddler proofing the house. I prefer to have a house where my child can explore fairly freely. My parents criticized us for doing this with our first child, and then saw how much easier it is after we had a visit to their house for a week, and all their candles ended up on top of their TV.
Alan
December 28, 2009Thanks for the comments.
I think a lot of parents really don’t understand how difficult it is going to be to look after your toddler. Fortunately the internet is good resource to find plenty of useful tip and advice on how to deal with the behaviour.