Nobody told me how hard it was going to be! Or maybe they did and I didn’t listen!

Before I had my baby I use to criticise parents who had “naughty” children and I use to always say “if those children where mine they wouldn’t be so naughty” Now I see my toddler trying the same tricks with me. Funny how we always blame the parent, instead of feeling sorry for the parent. ;-)

Children all go through the same growing phases. They all go through the test your boundaries phase. If they didn’t, how would they learn to be a normal human being? So now my question is how do you discipline your child in the right way? A way that will keep you sane, and give your child the necessary learning steps to becoming the best person he can become.

So I did some research…

• You need to set an environment at home that is consistent. In other words: If you say “no” for something specific, keep to “no” Don’t give in to him/her if they start crying. In this way you will be showing your toddler clearly where the boundaries lie.
• Time out. Set up a naughty mat or a corner in the room where your toddler will sit for a few minutes every time he/she is naughty. Remember never to chastise him in front of other people as this will break down his/her’s self esteem.
• Distract your Toddler. During the first three years of your child’s life, he/she is still discovering surroundings, so instead of having to moan about every second thing they do rather distract them with something else.
• How to handle a temper tantrum. Ignore the behaviour completely, if they see that their behaviour is not giving them control over the situation they will eventually stop trying. Always refuse to reward bad behaviour.
• Stay calm. When your child is being difficult, you should try to stay calm and instead of saying things in a harsh manner like “pick that up!” you could say “please pick that up for mommy, you shouldn’t throw your food on the ground, that’s ugly” In this way, he will be more likely to cooperate and understand.
• Prevent. Don’t leave the cup on the table if you know your child is tall enough to get to it. When your child starts to potty train, he will most probably be interested in playing inside the loo, instead of having to complain each time, get yourself a latch for the toilet lid or just keep the bathroom door closed.
• Positive feedback. Start to encourage and praise your toddler whenever you can. It must be really frustration to hear the words “no” all the time.
• Reverse psychology. Instead of saying “no” tell your toddler what it is you would like them to do. They are more likely to obey if you tell them what to do, not what not to do.
• Respect. Instead of grabbing things out of your toddlers hands rather tell him/her what they should do with the object. For example if you toddler got hold of a knife or something that could make a big mess, make eye contact, stay calm and ask him to put it down on the cupboard for you or try to distract him with something else.
• See their point of view. When your toddler makes a mess the next time try to put yourself in his/her shoes…imagine how much fun they might be having messing all that caster sugar on your carpet ;-). If you do this you will most probably stay calmer and handle the situation better.
• Avoid yelling and hitting. Yelling and hitting will just show your Tyler that it is normal to act in this manner.