How to Discipline a Toddler

This is my method of effectively disciplining a toddler learned from my own life experience.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• A Toddler (Age: 1-4)
• Patience

1. Approach your toddler and kneel down to his/her level and look them in the eyes.

2. With a stern voice (not yelling) describe to the child what they are doing wrong and what you would like them to do. For example: You are not acting in a proper manner. I asked you to clean up your toys. Could you please calm down and do as I told you.

3. If the child does not respond by doing what he/she is told, approach the child again in the same manner and tell them (in the same tone as above) that if they do not do as they were told that there will be a consequence. For example: If you do not pick up your toys as I have already asked then you will have to sit in time out.

4. If the child does not do as they were told, than without warning, lead or pick up the child and place them in time out. Make sure the child stays there for your designated amount of time without interruption. When the child is finished with their time out then make sure the child complete' s the task.

5. If the child still refuses to complete the task, then put the child in time out until they decide that they will complete the task. This step usually does not last that long because the child will usually give in.

6. When the child completes the task, reward him/her with praise. Make sure that this same method is repeated the same to maintain consistency. Eventually, you will not have to use this method because the child knows the consequences.

Tips & Warnings

• Use your judgement with time outs. A small child should not sit in time out for more than 3-5 minutes.
• Treat/Talk to your child in a manner that you would expect someone to talk to you.
• If your child is acting in a abnormal aggressive manner and this method does not work - please contact your physician for advice.
• Do not ever use force, whether it be verbal or physical.
• This is only advice from a parent in which this method has worked extremely well, please note that other situations may have different outcomes and is not a guarantee.