How to Discipline Your Toddler

Disciplining your toddler can be difficult. When you look into those sad, teary eyes, it can almost break your heart to scold them or punish them for something they've done wrong. But discipline is the only way to teach them how to be a part of society. Many parents think the only type of discipline for toddlers is a spanking, but there are many other effective forms of punishment. If you want to avoid spanking, here are some more suggestions you can use to discipline your toddler while teaching valuable life lessons.

1. Provide a safe environment - At this age, your toddler is likely going to test your limits and see how far they can go before getting in trouble. Toddlers will explore their surroundings and find activities that you won't be pleased with. One of the best ways to combat this is to create a safe environment where your toddler can explore safely without getting hurt. As they get older, set limits and boundaries for them to follow.
   
   
2. Reinforce good behaviors - It's much easier for a parent to positively enforce a child's good behavior than it is to punish bad behavior. If you notice your toddler doing something good, reward them with praise, a sticker or a small toy.
   
   
3. Avoid possible bad behavior by eliminating it before it starts - One way to do this is to provide your toddler with choices. For example, instead of asking, "Do you want to go outside?" rephrase the question by asking, "Do you want to go outside or stay inside?" This avoids a "no" answer and gives the child an option and a sense of control, even if it's only a tiny bit.
   
   
4. Avoid yelling and hitting in anger. - This only gives your child negative attention and reinforces their bad behavior. In addition to that, it makes you look like you're not in control. Toddlers can sense this and use it against you by continuing to misbehave. If you feel like you aren't in control of your actions, walk away from your toddler until you regain a sense of control over yourself.
   
   
5. Give your toddler plenty of positive attention - Many toddlers misbehave because they are seeking any type of attention they can get, even if it is negative. And when they get any kind of attention, it reinforces the behavior they were doing in the first place. However, if you make it a priority to pay attention to your child, they won't usually seek out negative attention by misbehaving.
   
   
6. Show your toddler the consequences of their actions - For instance, if your toddler breaks a toy, they can no longer play with it. If your toddler doesn't put their toys away when they're supposed to, put them away and lock the toy box so they can't play with them for a set amount of time. You can also withhold some of the things they enjoy, such as TV or video games. After awhile, your toddler will get the hint and likely change their behaviors to avoid the negative consequences.
   
   
7. Ignore your misbehaving child - This is a method called "extinction" and is best when your toddler throws a temper tantrum or whines. You might be "that parent" when you're at the supermarket, but it'll pay off after a few minutes of ignoring your child.
   
   
8. Learn when to use your authority - Not every situation will call for you to assert your authority on your toddler. Save this for the larger issues so your child knows when they've done something really bad. Make sure your rules aren't too strict or too lenient and be fair when enforcing the rules. If your toddler breaks a rule, explain it clearly so they know better next time.

Disciplining your toddler is sometimes as simple as setting up rules and boundaries. But young children often test their limits to see what they can get away with. Fortunately, though, there are some steps you can take to minimize your toddler's misbehavior or prevent it in the future. With patience and time, you can have a well-behaved toddler that grows up to be a well-behaved adult.