Difficulty: Moderately Challenging
Step1
Avoid yelling or hitting. This teaches the child that aggression is acceptable, and can lead to more behavior problems in the future.
Step2
Use positive reinforcement. Rather than giving attention to negative behaviors constantly, compliment positive behavior. Since attention is what toddlers crave, even negative attention is a reward.
Step3
Withhold privileges. For instance, take away a favorite toy, a trip to the park or television time. This is discipline without negative attention.
Step4
Show children the consequences of their actions. These include the natural consequences, such as breaking a toy so it can't be enjoyed, and logical consequences, such as if toys are not put up, then they will be put away and can't be played with.
Step5
Use time-outs. This gives the child a chance to think about the questionable actions and calm down. Time-outs are generally the same length in minutes as the age of the child. They are only effective after 2 years of age, as younger children will not understand this form of discipline.
Step6
Try ignoring a misbehaving child. This form of discipline is known as extinction, and requires that no attention is given when the undesired behavior is performed.