Are you wondering how to discipline a toddler? Disciplining a toddler or any child for that matter is actually hard. It could be even harder for you if you are a first-time parent. However, it is not as tough as it seems. Kids being young are easy to read, and a caring parent will be able to notice instant changes in their kid. Also, read When Can Babies Start Drinking Water.

A couple of things you need to know before you teach your child to behave in a proper manner and to learn how to do things in an acceptable manner.

• Watch your Child: Children are sensitive; some can handle pressure and scolding while others can’t. A keen eye will take you a long way with your child and its development.
• Know your Child’s Abilities: Remember that every child is different and just because it worked for some other child, even if it’s a sibling, it may not work on this one. Every child connects to different things and understands other things. Be sure to keep an eye on that as well. You may also like to read, Top 5 Moral Bedtime Stories For Boys.

How to Discipline a Toddler?

how to discipline a toddler Image Source @www.sces.org.uk

1. Consistent and Predictable

Disciplining a toddler is a hard job, we all know that. But here is a magic secret to it, be predictable. Continue with similar routines every day without fail. Fix a time for meals, bedtime, waking up, and free time for your kid or kids. Kids feel safe with predictable environments; it sets a routine for all of them without putting too much stress on their little minds.

2. Avoid Stress and Stressful Environment

Stress has a harmful effect on the child and its development. Little children are most suspectable to these types of situations. Not to mention that these situations will put undue stress on the child and its behavior. By the time your kid is a toddler, you will have a rough idea of your kid’s routine. And anything that hampers your child’s routine is going to disrupt your child’s mood, and you will not be thanking yourself once your kid starts to cry and become fussy.

Make sure that you teach your kid the importance of time and venue. Gradually set timers, and tell your kid that once the timer rings, the kid will do an activity.

3. Use the Attention Span of the Toddler

Toddlers are growing beings, and it goes without saying that the toddler will have trouble concentrating on one thing. Use that as an advantage. It is easy for kids to forget what they were doing or thinking. So, use it to divert your kid’s mind to something productive. Try to trade something with your kids for something else. Make sure that your deals with kids are attractive yet useful; if the attractiveness fades the kid will lose interest.

4. Allow Time for Breaks

Toddlers are quite sensitive, and with their limited mental growth and short span, the child gets bored with the intensive discipline training. So, make room for some fun activities and total free days. Furthermore, if your child is getting full of everything, give a day off or maybe a couple of days. Let your kid do whatever it wants for a while and plan according to your child’s timetable.

5. Be Patient

With every kind of growth, it takes time. And such is the case with kids. The parents should allow time for the growth of the kid. The child will not grow up with your expectations over-night. The development of a child will also take years before you can see the results. Furthermore, if you’re patient with your child and practice the art of easy teaching, the child will automatically learn.

6. Know When to Let your Child Win

This is the most critical point. Your kid will be stubborn, and it is understandable given the age. You may have to be strict at times, to make sure that your child does not develop the habit of being that way all the time. However, it of utmost importance that you understand that there will be times when you will need to let your child win. Some things are non-negotiable, if they want to sleep, they want to sleep. With some trial and errors, you will surely get the hang of it. And when you get this, you will see a drastic development in your relationship with your kid and your kids’ growth!

With that, we conclude the list of how to discipline a toddler. These tips and lessons once learned will go along with both parents and children. Obviously, new parents will be confused for some time in the beginning.  But as time passes, a parent learns with the child. You may also like to read, Top 10 Benefits Of Breastfeeding For Baby And Mom.

Remember to be stern but not extremely strict with your toddler; it may hamper your kid’s growth. On a similar note, be playful with your child. They need to know that their parent is around them and that the kids are safe with them!