How to Punish a 2-Year-Old Child

A 2-year-old child can be difficult to control. Children at this age want to be independent but are not quite old enough to do the things they want to do, so they tend to get emotional. At the magical age of two, children have trouble controlling some of their emotions, and they like to push their limits to see how their parents will react. Punishing or disciplining a 2-year-old child can be challenging.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Persistence
• Patience
• Love
• Understanding

1. Explain in layman's terms to the two-year old child the rules of behavior. Give them simple rules that they can understand, like sharing toys, not hitting siblings and going to bed when told.

2. If the child breaks one of the rules, then he must know that there is a consequence (this is where the punishment comes in).

3. Plan ahead of time and decide what type of punishment you will use. Make sure your child knows what will happen when she disobeys. For example, if you are using time-out as a consequence, then you should alter it to fit your child’s personality and age. Some 2-year-old children may not understand the reasoning behind a “time-out” punishment.

4. There are different types of punishments that may work for your child. One is sitting still for a set amount of time. You can use a timer or a specific object to represent the punishment. Choose a chair or a rug for the spot where the child must sit still for 2 minutes (or whatever time period you decide on). After the time-out or punishment has ended, then go over the rules and the specific reason your child was punished to make sure he fully understands what he did wrong.

5. One more idea for taming an out-of-control toddler is to go from a wild activity or a temper tantrum to doing a quiet, calm task. If the child is playing with toys or running around the house and destroying things, then try to steer her in the direction of coloring or reading some books.

6. Once you find something that works then stick with it. Persistence is the key when you are attempting to tame a rambunctious 2-year-old child.

Tips & Warnings

• Think out of the box to find a punishment that allows your child to learn about right and wrong.
• Remember things will usually get better when the child is older and can understand consequences and choices a little better.
• Physical punishment typically doesn’t work and is unnecessary; finding other alternatives is usually your best bet as a parent.

[ericbar]

on 6/10/2009 Thanks for the advice. I have a daughter going on 2. 5*

[yellowstar2000]

on 6/8/2009 nice article, good tips :)

[labellefleur100]

on 3/21/2009 The thing that I have noticed is that speaking to young children like adults does not work. Like Sherreyam said, sometimes we do need to get down to their levels to make things work. 5*

[jenng]

on 3/21/2009 Great tips on how to punish a two year old 5*

[sherryeam]

on 3/20/2009 My daughter is almost 3. It has amazed me to know end how my explaining to her works on many issues. She was starting to throw tantrums about going to bed a few months ago. Which for her was new because she was usually good about bed. I explained if she pretended she was a cute little bunny (she loves bunnies) it would make bed time better and she sat straight up and said OH..OK and dived into bed. Thanks for the good article.