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:
- Be consistent. Toddlers need clear and consistent boundaries to understand what is expected of them.
- Use positive reinforcement. Praise and reward your child when they exhibit good behavior.
- 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:
- Use physical punishment. Spanking or hitting is not an effective or appropriate way to discipline a toddler.
- Use negative language. Avoid using negative phrases like “don’t” or “stop.” Instead, use positive language to reinforce good behavior.
- Overreact. Toddlers are still learning and will make mistakes. Be patient and understanding and use mistakes as learning opportunities.