How To Discipline Toddler – 6 Best Alternative Punishments
Want to know the best way to discipline toddler? Here are 6 positive parenting ideas to get your toddler to behave.
Let’s chat about how to discipline toddler.
Any parent raising a toddler knows how difficult it can be to maintain good discipline.
Am I right?
We all aim to be consistent but then when you least expect it, your child is likely to throw a tantrum, while you feel helpless.
As a proponent of positive parenting, you are probably well aware that spanking or any other form of physical punishment isn’t always the best option.
In fact a positive parenting approach requires that we look for alternative ways of disciplining our kids.
You may have also discovered that timeouts might not have the positive effect on your child’s behavior that you hope for.
This is no surprise because kids at that age can’t fully grasp the link between their actions and consequences.
Consider the words of Anne Sullivan:
“Children require guidance and sympathy far more than instruction.”
If this is our standpoint, we need to ask ourselves why do we still try to punish our kids when they do something wrong?
Could there possibly be an alternative approach?
Could we instead work to understand them, guide them, or offer a good example instead?
How do we train our children to adjust well to life, without losing our minds in the process?
Now for the good news!
Fortunately, you can control your own actions.
Toddlers learn a lot from observing and imitating.
You have a chance to be a positive model.
All you need to do is be patient with both your child and you.
Consider these alternatives to punishment for young children:
HOW TO DISCIPLINE TODDLER
TIP # 1 – Ask questions.
Consider this scenario – your child just misbehaved for a reason that has you mystified.
You can’t work out why they would have done such a thing but the reality is your child’s misbehavior is here for a reason.
Even though toddlers are young, you can talk to them and offer understanding.
We often incorrectly assume kids are doing something “bad” when, in fact, they are figuring out how something works.
Seek answers.
Ask: “What are you trying to do?” or “Why do you want to do this?”
Listen and understand, then correct their behavior by offering the appropriate outlet or information.
HOW TO DISCIPLINE TODDLER
TIP # 2 – Take a break with your child.
If you notice your child is having a difficult time or making choices you don’t approve of, you always have the option of going to a quiet space together and taking a break.
This will serve as prevention for trouble, so it’s important to do this before things get out of hand.
Five minutes of calm conversation, listening, sharing, and considering more appropriate choices for the situation can help.
In reality this is a form of time-out in fact they are removed from the situation but when they are here with you, they don’t feel so ostracized.
But still they are learning that stepping away from a situation is giving them the chance to take a breather, calm down, think about their actions and start again off on a good note.
HOW TO DISCIPLINE TODDLER
TIP # 3 – Give a second chance.
A young child that makes a mistake doesn’t always deserve punishment.
What they sometimes need even more is the opportunity for a do-over.
- Let your toddler try to address the problem differently and change their behavior. State clearly what’s not allowed, offer a positive alternative, and ask if they are okay with it.
HOW TO DISCIPLINE TODDLER
TIP # 4 – Use a physical demonstration.
Children learn from observation all the time.
You are constantly their model, even when you aren’t aware of your own behavior. So, ensure that you are a good model in critical situations.
- A toddler might not grasp the connection between their action and your words, but if you demonstrate desirable behavior, they’ll catch up.
- Assume the best of your child. Assume that they have the ability to do better when they know how to do better.
HOW TO DISCIPLINE TODDLER
TIP # 5 – Give your child a heads-up.
When you’re requesting specific behavior from your child, give them a heads up.
For example, instead of asking them to leave the playground at a moment’s notice, tell them you’ll be leaving in five minutes.
Just like adults appreciate a heads-up so too do your kids.
- A gentle reminder of what you’re expecting them to do is more useful than a punishment afterward.
- Don’t expect them to be able to read your mind. It isn’t fair for them – remember they are still young and learning!
HOW TO DISCIPLINE TODDLER
TIP # 6 – Read a story.
Another creative way to help kids learn how to make better choices is through stories.
Read or tell stories that include characters who make mistakes, have strong feelings, or need help.
This is also a way of setting a good example using a character that your child can relate to. If there is a moral to that story, explain it to your kids.
Let them know what the lesson is that they can learn from the characters in the book.
In the end, switching from punishment to positive reinforcement is the one of best things you can do for your child’s mental health and further development.
Remember this option is ALWAYS available to you even though it does require patience and devotion.
It also requires a shift in your mindset especially if you grew up when the expectation that doing something wrong = punishment.
You will need to require your brain to consider that doing something wrong actually = the opportunity to show your child a different ways of doing things.
HOW TO DISCIPLINE TODDLER
It is the chance to show your child the better way so you can guide them down the right path.
Don’t be so quick to assume the worst from your kids.
Assume they are doing the best they can with the tools they have at their disposal. It’s one of the best gifts you can give to your child.
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