Sometimes it is funny to see toddlers do things they are not supposed to do. You find it cute and playfully look over their antics. You may chide them gently but they understand the look in your eyes, which shows that you are not serious, and they go on their own way. However, ignoring such behavior can lead to serious consequence later in life. Toddlers tend to get the wrong message when they find out that you tend to overlook what you had just forbidden to do. If you do not teach your toddlers to obey, then the ultimate sufferer will be you. It should be understood that if your toddlers do not obey you then it is likely that they won’t obey others. This will sometimes cause you untold embarrassment in parties or family gatherings. So, teaching when young is of utmost importance before they get the habit of disobeying and getting away with everything. Also, with toddlers it is a lot easier to do the job. So, go through the article given below to learn more on disciplining toddlers.
Teaching Toddlers To Obey
Remember that toddlers cannot be forced to obey. When correcting your toddler remember the following things.
- The toddler must listen to you. So, get his or her undivided attention.
- Give your toddler reasonable timewith clear-cut directions.
- Never yell at your toddler. Expect the child to obey. Yelling or nagging will make the toddler accustomed to it. So, the next time you cannot make him or her listen unless you yell at them.
- If the child does not obey, take disciplinary actionimmediately. Do not spank or scold harshly. Instead, the punishment should be such that they would hate to do the forbidden thing again.
- Taking appropriate action is very necessary to make the toddler understand that you mean what you say. So, the toddler will gradually inculcate in what points their parents are likely to take action.
Different Methods For Appropriate Discipline
- The punishment should fit the crime. Apply logic whenever you take disciplinary action.
- Another method is to let the toddler suffer the consequence of not having listened to you. This can be done simply by doing nothing. Like if, your toddler doesn’t listen to you to bring the playthings from outside then you don’t go and bring them in. Let them get drenched in the rain or hide them so that he or she may think that it had been stolen.
- Spank only when it is absolutely necessary and also do not make a habit of spanking. Also never, spank when you are angry or over spank. Always make sure to reassure your toddler of your love.
- Praise your toddler if he or she obeys. Reward them but sparingly.
- Don’t go into lengthy explanations; instead keep things short to force your point.
- Be firm and clear.
- Be specific. If you don’t want your toddler to do certain things, show him or her things that she/he can do other than that what you had forbidden.
- Be consistent. Do not confuse the toddler by allowing him or her to do a thing one day and by forbidding that the next day.
- Use your anger in an effective and emotional way. Make them feel your hurt by expressing your frustration.
Different Ways On Setting The Limit
- Setting the limit is important in letting the toddler know his or her boundaries.
- Make few but strict rules. If you have more rules, your toddler will have more trouble remembering them.
- Whenever you say ‘no’ explain the reasons thereof. In addition, make sure that the toddler understands them.
- Give a chance to your kids to express what they think and feel. Set fair limits. Understand the toddler’s point of view but don’t give into their wishes.
- Be clear about your limits and say what you mean.