subject: How To Discipline A Toddler - Learning How Distraction Can Help Avoid Some Of The Major Problems [print this page] How To Discipline A Toddler - Learning How Distraction Can Help Avoid Some Of The Major Problems
When we have to decide on how to discipline a toddler, we have to ideally adopt a strategy which is not overly strict or authoritarian but neither is it too easy going or permissive. Drawing that fine line can be rather difficult at times.
The other thing we have to learn is that we really have to be consistent and that we cannot have kinder or more tolerant days. We really have to stick to our guns but that does not exclude some flexibility, as long as we do not waver from the bottom line.
Strangely enough, we can use distraction at times to avoid a situation where we do not even have to bother about how to discipline a toddler. The distraction puts them on another track and the threatened bad behavior is abandoned and becomes a non event.
The distraction technique also works when they get into a risky situation which could be harmful for them. All you have to do is to distract them with another toy or announce a new activity.
The idea of whether something is right or wrong, safe or dangerous is not within their conceptual grasp as yet. They certainly know or realize from the emotional point of view whether we are happy or not with their behavior.
We can also use distraction techniques when they go into a meltdown by soothing them, comforting them or cuddling them of they will allow us to do that. Instead of condemning the behavior, we are sending the right message here of offering affection, support and protection. After all, the reasons for the outburst are often connected with a toddler's needs and he has reacted that way because he has reached his or her limit.
As parents we have to realize that we are setting a pattern for the whole child-parent relationship and we do not want it to start off with a shouting match or to model incorrect behavior. Our behavior is always impeccable and we speak softly and never yell or shout.
When things get really tough, we may need to have time out ourselves and certainly counting to ten will help us avoid getting into a shouting match. Once we set a bad example, we have really lost a lot of ground in how to discipline a toddler.
Would you like to learn some more strategies on how to discipline a toddler? Look at the program below which has been written by a parent and a parenting coach who has been working with toddlers and young children for many years. Time to listen to an expert who has a proven record in his field.
