kittzy07Toddler Discipline
How do we discipline our toddlers? Some of us adapt our own parent’s “disciplinary actions” when we were still kids because it’s “tried and tested” and it’s readily adaptable and available. But some prefer to have their own because they didn’t want their child to grow up like them. I remember I used to watch “Nanny 911”. The show is about three nannies that were hired by different families, each, having their own set and severity of problems. I’ve learned from this show that there are several ways to discipline a child depending on their age. Like using the time-out policy, wherein a child is ordered to stay on one corner of the house and do nothing until he is ready to rejoin you. This helps the child to collect himself and rethink what he has done. It also instills self-control in him. I guess this is more suitable for children ages 4 and up. But for little children, ages 4 and below, since it’s impossible for them to be controlled in one place, you can just show them your disappointment.
Ignoring them is really hard to pull off but it’s really effective because the more you pay attention to them, the more they will likely go about their tantrums. Toddlers, sometimes, with their curious and experimental minds, just want to test your patience and want to know your limitation. So just appear to show calmness and that you don’t make a big deal of it even if inside you are panicking.
Distraction or diversionary tactics always helps you to steer them away from any unwanted behavior. Things like giving them another toy, giving them tasks and popping out interesting questions about their favorite cartoon shows. But be prepared to change your diversionary tactics every time, or else they will get the message that you are just redirecting them. I’ve learned this from my eldest daughter. She learned to use this diversionary tactics on me, instead, if she has done something wrong, she will point me out to a new toy shown on the television.
Rewards and punishment are a big help too. But don’t use this too often or they will do chores for the sake of having a reward and not because they really want to help you.
I guess what really works in all ages, even for little tykes, is to talk to them in a calm manner and explain to them that what they did was wrong and the consequences of their actions. Even if they are still small, they will get the message because of your facial expressions and gestures.
Disciplining a child is like holding a small amount of water in your hands. When you’re too loose with it, it will fall down. When you squeeze it too tight, you will loose you’re grip on it. But the way to hold it is to hold it gently but firmly in your hands.
Ignoring them is really hard to pull off but it’s really effective because the more you pay attention to them, the more they will likely go about their tantrums. Toddlers, sometimes, with their curious and experimental minds, just want to test your patience and want to know your limitation. So just appear to show calmness and that you don’t make a big deal of it even if inside you are panicking.
Distraction or diversionary tactics always helps you to steer them away from any unwanted behavior. Things like giving them another toy, giving them tasks and popping out interesting questions about their favorite cartoon shows. But be prepared to change your diversionary tactics every time, or else they will get the message that you are just redirecting them. I’ve learned this from my eldest daughter. She learned to use this diversionary tactics on me, instead, if she has done something wrong, she will point me out to a new toy shown on the television.
Rewards and punishment are a big help too. But don’t use this too often or they will do chores for the sake of having a reward and not because they really want to help you.
I guess what really works in all ages, even for little tykes, is to talk to them in a calm manner and explain to them that what they did was wrong and the consequences of their actions. Even if they are still small, they will get the message because of your facial expressions and gestures.
Disciplining a child is like holding a small amount of water in your hands. When you’re too loose with it, it will fall down. When you squeeze it too tight, you will loose you’re grip on it. But the way to hold it is to hold it gently but firmly in your hands.
