PARENTING
Many parents find disciplining a toddler to be a very difficult task. Some would take the 'easy' way out by resorting to military style disciplining. Unfortunately this method usually only involves a one-way communication where the parents dictate and the toddlers listen, or rather are forced to listen.
The more patient parents will use various methods of disciplining a toddler. There is no one sure way to discipline a toddler. It usually involves around the current situation when the 'behaviour mischief' takes place.
If you ask me how to discipline your child, chances are I won't be able to give you a straight forward answer as to discipline a child, you must first know your child. As a stay at home mother, I know my toddler very well. He hardly throws tantrum in my presence but ever since he attends play school, he cries, misbehaves and throws a big fit if things are not done according to his liking.
What I do when faced with the above situation are:
Distract
When the toddler is shouting, he won't be listening. It makes no sense to be shouting along to gain his attention. Move him away from the 'spot of tantrum'. A change of location, even a few steps away creates a distraction and diverts the negative energy away.
Time Out
If you have to implement a time out, remember the rule of thumb - One minute per year of age.
Limit to 2 minutes maximum of time out if your toddler is only 2 years old. He won't usually stay in the corner so it only means you have to stand there with your back to him but avoid facial/body language to let him know it is not playtime but a means of discipline.
Eye contact and ignore
Temper tantrums are usually overly dramatic, emotional and intense. Whatever you do, refrain from snapping. Be persistent, hold him by the head, look him in the eyes and tell him that you don't fancy him that way so let you know when he is done and only then you'll talk will let him know that tantrum will get him nowhere and he is not in control over you.
Soft approach
You won't like it if your boss is demanding and always instructs and treats you like a little kid. The same applies to your toddler. Treat them like an adult. Make a request rather than demanding. Give him a hanky and say, "Would you help Mummy wipe away your tears?" will definitely work better than saying, "Keep quiet and dry your tears!"
Positive reinforcement
Don't wait until your toddler throws tantrum to pay attention to him. Some toddlers throw tantrum just to get our affection, as we are often preoccupied to notice them when they are at their best behavior.
Praise and reward them with hugs and kisses if you caught them doing good. Over time, they'll understand that being good is more beneficial than throwing tantrum.
It takes a lot of trial and error in parenting. There is no one true answer to everything, but often all it take are some common sense and lots of tender, loving care :)
P/S: This article is also featured in VenusBuzz as part of my weekly contribution :)
Many parents find disciplining a toddler to be a very difficult task. Some would take the 'easy' way out by resorting to military style disciplining. Unfortunately this method usually only involves a one-way communication where the parents dictate and the toddlers listen, or rather are forced to listen.
The more patient parents will use various methods of disciplining a toddler. There is no one sure way to discipline a toddler. It usually involves around the current situation when the 'behaviour mischief' takes place.
If you ask me how to discipline your child, chances are I won't be able to give you a straight forward answer as to discipline a child, you must first know your child. As a stay at home mother, I know my toddler very well. He hardly throws tantrum in my presence but ever since he attends play school, he cries, misbehaves and throws a big fit if things are not done according to his liking.
What I do when faced with the above situation are:
Distract
When the toddler is shouting, he won't be listening. It makes no sense to be shouting along to gain his attention. Move him away from the 'spot of tantrum'. A change of location, even a few steps away creates a distraction and diverts the negative energy away.
Time Out
If you have to implement a time out, remember the rule of thumb - One minute per year of age.
Limit to 2 minutes maximum of time out if your toddler is only 2 years old. He won't usually stay in the corner so it only means you have to stand there with your back to him but avoid facial/body language to let him know it is not playtime but a means of discipline.
Eye contact and ignore
Temper tantrums are usually overly dramatic, emotional and intense. Whatever you do, refrain from snapping. Be persistent, hold him by the head, look him in the eyes and tell him that you don't fancy him that way so let you know when he is done and only then you'll talk will let him know that tantrum will get him nowhere and he is not in control over you.
Soft approach
You won't like it if your boss is demanding and always instructs and treats you like a little kid. The same applies to your toddler. Treat them like an adult. Make a request rather than demanding. Give him a hanky and say, "Would you help Mummy wipe away your tears?" will definitely work better than saying, "Keep quiet and dry your tears!"
Positive reinforcement
Don't wait until your toddler throws tantrum to pay attention to him. Some toddlers throw tantrum just to get our affection, as we are often preoccupied to notice them when they are at their best behavior.
Praise and reward them with hugs and kisses if you caught them doing good. Over time, they'll understand that being good is more beneficial than throwing tantrum.
It takes a lot of trial and error in parenting. There is no one true answer to everything, but often all it take are some common sense and lots of tender, loving care :)
P/S: This article is also featured in VenusBuzz as part of my weekly contribution :)
4 comments:
I like your approach in handling tantrum. I think rule of thumb, mother has to be a patient type.
chewah, another site *wink*
wow new blog =)
very good article, helpful and informative!
belated happy mother's day merryn!
i was able to sms mummy gwen, lina and others but i don't have your nmber
Hi Selina
i am Montoya Jazhel from the philiphines ,i was in a big problem in my marital life so i read your testimony on how Dr Ikhide help you get your husband back and i said i will give it a try and i contacted the Dr Ikhide to help me and he promised to help me get my problem solved. now am so happy with my life because all my problems are over. Thanks to the great Dr Ikhide for the help and Thanks to you Selina.
You can reach him with this email:- dr.ikhide@gmail.com and i promise he will not disappoint you.
I AM SO HAPPY…… remember here is his email:- dr.ikhide@gmail.com
Kumusta Selina
ako si Montoya Jazhel mula sa pilipinas, ako ay nasa malaking problema sa aking buhay sa pag-aasawa kaya nabasa ko ang iyong patotoo sa kung paano tulungan si Dr Ikhide na maibalik ang iyong asawa at sinabi kong susubukan ko ito at makipag-ugnay sa Dr Ikhide upang matulungan ako at nangako siyang tulungan ako na malulutas ang aking problema. ngayon masaya ako sa aking buhay dahil ang lahat ng aking mga problema ay tapos na. Salamat sa mahusay na Dr Ikhide para sa tulong at Salamat sa iyo Selina.
Maabot mo siya sa email na ito: - dr.ikhide@gmail.com at ipinapangako ko na hindi ka niya bibiguin.
AKO KAYA NAKAKITA …… tandaan dito ay ang kanyang email: - dr.ikhide@gmail.com
Post a Comment