Disciplining a toddler requires a careful balance. Parents should be firm, but they should not punish their children. If you’re the parent of a young child, you know that achieving this balance is often easier said than done. However, there are disciplining strategies you should avoid if you want to achieve this balance. Discover some of the things you should not do when disciplining a toddler.
1. Overreacting
Toddlers love to explore. While a child’s actions might not precisely model ideal behavior, they may not necessarily warrant discipline either. Say your child removed a few books from the shelf, for instance. Likely, the child just wants to feel and explore the books further. Don’t just say “no.” Give your child a chance to explore, then prompt them to put the books back. When a child constantly hears no, the word loses some of its value. Selective disciplining is more effective.
2. Being Emotional
Don’t let your emotions get the best of you. Toddlers respond to behaviors very similar to the way adults do. For example, if you were in a office where the boss was screaming and yelling, it’d be hard to focus on the work. Much of your focus would be on the outrage of the boss. If you lose control when responding to your child’s behavior, they will miss the why behind it all. Discipline is only useful when it deters future behavior. If your child doesn’t learn why you’re telling them not to do something, they are more likely to repeat the action. Emotional outbursts are also frightening to children.
3. Giving In
Toddlers are incredibly loving and kind, but they’re also excellent manipulators. Children learn that their actions prompt certain behaviors from their parents at a young age. For instance, a child knows that if they cry at night, their parent will pick them up. No matter how hard the child tries to convince you, stand firm in your word. Always say what you mean and mean what you say. Don’t allow yourself to be swayed. When you feel like giving in, remember why you are displacing your child.
Remember, discipline promotes safety, positive social interaction, and self-control, which are all essential skills your child needs during their toddler years and beyond. Every toddler has his or her own personality; the strategies suited for discipline should vary as such. Disciplining your child won’t be a breeze, but you can take control. Find what works best for your family and build from there.
