Mar 26 2009
Tips to Discipline Your Toddler
Tips to discipline a Toddler:
There are many ways to discipline your child. Over here, I would like to share a way for handling more serious misbehavior (children aged 2-10 years).
ü Use “quiet time” to stop a child from misbehaving. Ensure that this method is used for children who are old enough to understand its purpose.
ü Explain to the child that “quiet time” is a period for him to reflect on bad behavior. Tell the child why his misbehavior was unacceptable. Point out the correct behavior expected.
ü Let the child stay in a safe, isolated and boring place at home for a short while (1min for every year of the child, up to a maximum of 5mins). The child is to keep quiet and is not allowed to join in any activity. Never use a cupboard or storeroom for the “quiet time”.
ü If the child refuses to stay in the room or leaves the chair he is supposed to be on during “quiet time”, bring him back. You may even need to shut the door till he quietens down or behaves.
ü You must be prepared to persist with this technique and not talk to your child or give him any attention until “quiet time” is over.
ü After “quiet time”, talk to the child to ensure that he has understood your explanation. Reassure the child that he is loved.
ü Do not talk about the incident again. Encourage your child to find something else to do and praise him for this as you watch him.
ü If the behaviour occurs again, you will have to repeat “quiet time”. As the child learns the “quiet time” routine, he becomes quiet more quickly and “quiet time” is needed less often.
All children behave as well as they are treated.- Jan Hunt
