And they could undermine your efforts if your child gets up (and refuses to return) before you signal that the timeout has ended. A 2- or 3-year-old who has been hitting, biting, or throwing food, for example, should be told in a calm, neutral voice why the behavior is unacceptable and taken to a designated timeout area - a kitchen chair or bottom stair - for a minute or two to calm down.Īs a general rule, about 1 minute per year of age is a good guide for timeouts, and 3–5 minutes is plenty. Timeout is effective because it is “timeout” from your positive attention. If you need to take a harder line with your child, timeouts can be an effective form of discipline. Experts say that spanking is no more effective than other forms of discipline, such as timeouts. The message you send when you spank is that it's OK to hit someone when you're angry. At this age, kids are unlikely to make a connection between the behavior and physical punishment. It's important to not spank, hit, or slap your child. This is called “redirection” and can be a wonderful tool in your parenting tool kit. If your toddler does head toward an unacceptable or dangerous object, calmly say "No" and either remove your child from the area or the dangerous item from reach, or distract them with another activity. Also beware of choking hazards like jewelry, buttons, and small items that kids can put in their mouths.Īnd always keep cleaning supplies and medicines stored safely away where kids can't get to them. That means keeping things like TVs, phones, and electronics out of reach. Toddlers are naturally curious, so try to eliminate temptations whenever possible. Eliminate Temptationīy now, you've figured out that your toddler wants to explore and investigate the world. When asking your child to pick up toys, you'll make a much stronger impression if you've put away your own things rather than leaving your stuff all around the room. So make sure your own behavior is role-model material. Empty threats undermine your authority.Īnd don't forget that kids learn by watching adults, particularly their parents. Only issue warnings for things that you can follow through on. For example, if you tell your toddler that a timeout is the consequence for negative behavior, be sure to enforce it. Parents who don't stick to the rules and consequences they set up don't have kids who do either. Parents gain parenting skills every time the put a toddler in the box.When it comes to discipline, it's important to be consistent. Toddlers gain thinking skill and responsibility.
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