How to Discourage Your Toddler From Being Naughty
From the time they wake in the morning, toddlers seem to go a mile a minute. They are curious, exploratory and energetic. They are interested in, and get into, everything. When their ramblings lead them to dangerous or unacceptable behaviors, though, it's time to step in. Discouraging naughty behavior is part of an effective discipline strategy. Take action early in the child's life, lest you face unruly, disobedient kids down the road.
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Instructions
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Be consistent. If your child continues to climb on the off-limits coffee table, correct him every time. It's fine to set boundaries, but you have to teach your children what they are. Sometimes they don't even know their naughty actions are against the rules.
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Encourage positive behavior. If you want to discourage naughtiness, give toddlers something else to strive for. Unwanted behavior often stems from a desire for attention. Praise your toddler when she does something correctly and her desire for attention will be fulfilled in a positive way. Besides, if she hears "no" for the 50th time of the day, it's likely to lose some impact.
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Remove temptations. If there is a candy bowl on an end table, can you really blame your little one for trying to get it? Yet you also can't be expected to live in a house with no electrical equipment, doors, stairs, drapes, blinds, pictures or keepsakes. Put temptations away someplace out of sight and reach, but also teach your child limits. Correct him when he goes for something that is off-limits and eventually he will learn.
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Redirect her attention. When your toddler is going to do something naughty, distract her. If she is overly interested in the electrical cord, try redirecting her attention to a toy. If she wants to climb the stairs, perhaps stack up some couch cushions for her to climb instead.
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Teach toddlers responsibility for their actions. If he knocks over a bowl of cereal, tell him it's time to clean it up, and get down on the floor with him and help him do it. Reiterate that when we make a mess, we have to clean it up.
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Consider their comfort. If your child is tired, hungry or thirsty, she is far more likely to exhibit naughty behavior.
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Establish and maintain a daily routine. According to BabyZone, toddlers enjoy a predictable schedule and unexpected changes can make them feel unsettled, which could precipitate naughtiness.
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Follow through with consequences. If you don't, your words become empty threats. A common consequence for naughty behavior at this age is a timeout. Keep timeouts short and stay with your toddler until he has calmed down. At the end of the timeout, briefly reiterate why he had to sit there and what he did that was wrong. For example, say, "You had this timeout because you hit your sister. I know you were mad because she took your toy, but hitting is not nice. No hitting."
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Tips & Warnings
Always keep medicine and cleaning supplies secured behind child-safe locks.
If your child's behavior is making your angry or upset enough to hurt them, leave the situation immediately. Come back after you've calmed down.
References
- Photo Credit BananaStock/BananaStock/Getty Images
