We all know toddlers are a handful especially when they get to the terrible twoโs and then become threenagers. I have always asked myself if positive discipline really exists?
I remember when Kitana turned two, I felt like I didnโt know her anymore. Who was this child and what happened to my little sweetheart? My husband and I never really discussed methods for discipline, we just went with the flow and did what we thought was right. I think that I am the one that does the discipline. You know what they sayโฆ Daughters are their fatherโs angels. My husband is a real softy with my daughter.
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Iโve learnt that toddlers have big emotions and they can be really stubborn. Sometimes, as a parent I get frustrated, but then I have to take a step back and thinkโฆ I have realised that being patient and understanding is very important especially when you are dealing with a two-year-old. Losing my temper isnโt going to solve the problem instead it will make matters worse.
There are days your toddler will pee on the floor, scream for candy in a store or try to hit you in public when you say no. You will be tempted to retaliate but honestly I feel thatโs not going to solve the problem in the long run.
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โIf you have never been hated by your child, you have never been a parent.โย –Bette Davis
I’ve got some tips for you to try discipline in a positive wayโฆ
5 Quick Tips for Positive Discipline with a toddler:
1. Keep to your toddlers routine/schedule
Iโve noticed that when my daughter is sleepy, she gets extremely grumpy and starts fighting with everyone. This is when most of her meltdowns happen and if I miss that โsleepy time periodโ she just refuses to take a nap and will instead throw a tantrum wherever we are. Itโs important to have a schedule and itโs important to stick with it.
2. Be consistent
Have a few rules and stick to them. Having lots of rules can confuse a child and cause more chaos especially when you go back and forth negotiating daily.
3. Reverse the negative
It is possible to discipline without saying no. I know a mom who โsingsโ her rules to her toddler.
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4. Get down to your childโs level, call your child by his/her name and make eye contact.
When Iโm serious, I say my daughterโs name. She knows I mean business. I always look into her eyes and explain to her the reason why she wonโt be getting the toy. Toddlers are intelligent and sometimes just speaking to them like an adult helps.
5. Give your child a choice and try not to yell.
I used to be the mom that shouted all the time but it started to scare my daughter! I could see the fear in her eyes. I now use the โtime outโ method but I will whisper it to her: โIf you donโt listen, then you will have to sit in time outโ. Sometimes it works and sometimes it doesnโt but being consistent helps.
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Remember their age and donโt expect too much from them. Toddlers will always try to push the boundaries. Treat mistakes as an opportunity to learn and work together as a team to solve the problem. Reward charts are great to use and can help with positive discipline. My daughter gets extremely excited when she gets a star. Clickย hereย to download a reward chart.
“As your kids grow up they may forget what you said, but they won’t forget how you made them feel.” –Kevin Heath
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6 comments
I use positive discipline with my kids! However, parenting a toddler can definitely be challenging at times! They know how to test the limits! ๐
Being consistent is such a good tip. Once you waffle or give in once, kids learn that really quickly. Having consistent rules makes life easier!
Oh my goodness! I do not even know how I handles my daughter’s terrible twos! lol. Good luck!
I have 3 kids, and all of them are out of the toddler years. These are good tips though – the most important thing is loving them, even when they’re not acting very lovable!
I’m thankful that my toddler years are over. They actually weren’t bad at all. Great tips for those who are experiencing this.
We are still in the terrible 2’s here with our 3 year old. He is into everything lol. I love this post and quotes and tips you shared.