The Dos and Don’ts of Discipline for Toddlers

Disciplining a toddler can be challenging, but it’s important to establish boundaries and expectations early on. Here are some dos and don’ts of discipline:

Dos:

1. Be consistent. Toddlers need clear and consistent boundaries to understand what is expected of them.
2. Use positive reinforcement. Praise and reward your child when they exhibit good behavior.
3. Offer choices. Give your child choices to help them feel empowered and in control. For example, “Would you like to wear the red shirt or the blue shirt?”

Don’ts:

1. Use physical punishment. Spanking or hitting is not an effective or appropriate way to discipline a toddler.
2. Use negative language. Avoid using negative phrases like “don’t” or “stop.” Instead, use positive language to reinforce good behavior.
3. Overreact. Toddlers are still learning and will make mistakes. Be patient and understanding and use mistakes as learning opportunities.