By Blythe Lipman, Baby Instructions
Can a parent or caregiver really manage a toddler or is that just a silly notion? Toddlers are curious, strong willed, fidgety and come with never-ending energy! They are like the Energizer Bunny. When those beautiful little eyes are finally nodding off into dreamland you breathe a sigh of relief as it’s time for everyone to rest.
So here’s the deal, while parents and caregivers are constantly teaching right from wrong, how we teach and discipline is the key.
The Miriam-Webster online dictionary defines discipline as:
1. punishment
2. instruction
3. training that corrects, molds, or perfects the mental faculties or moral character
4. control gained by enforcing obedience or order
5. control gained by enforcing obedience or order
6.a rule or system of rules governing conduct or activity
At www.child-discipline-with-love.com/definition-of-discipline says:
Discipline is teaching a child how to:
Learn self control
Recognizing acceptable limits
Learning where to stop
If the child is not learning to recognize limits, he is learning to ignore them. The more he learns to ignore them, the harder it is to for him to recognize any boundary in future. By the time the child reaches teen-age years, the process becomes irreversible.
Here are some things to remember while teaching your little ball of fire about life.
Be consistent – No matter how tired you are or how many times you’ve said “no”, when your toddler’s behavior needs attention, stick to the plan. It’s not fair to keep changing the rules and it can be very confusing.
Acknowledge your toddler’s feelings- When your child is doing an unacceptable behavior, he wants to be heard. Get down to his level, look into those little eyes and say “I know you want to play at the park longer, but it’s time to go eat lunch.” A little understanding and empathy goes a long way when he is frustrated.
Add a positive when acknowledging his feelings- “I know you want to play at the park longer but it’s time for lunch. When we get home, let’s make lunch together.”
Redirect an unwanted behavior – Distraction works great. Suggest another activity. “Can you draw a picture for me? Do you want to play with this red truck? I know you love the color red!” And don’t harp on the negative, instead compliment the positive. “You are drawing such a pretty picture.”
Time-out can really help- If you tell your toddler not to do something and they do it anyway. Two minutes in the time-out chair is in order. Set a kitchen timer and when it rings he can resume play.
A Toy Time-out can be your savior- Label a box with “Toy Time-out.” When two children are fighting over the same toy, it goes in the box and stays there until the next day.
Sharing is tough – Try using the words “take turns” instead of sharing and again, use a timer. It’s much easier for a toddler to understand “it’s Lindsay’s turn now and when the bell rings it will be your turn then please share with Lindsay.” The easier the concept the more success you will have.
Routine, Routine, Routine- Having a daily consistent routine will make things easier all around. Your toddler will know what comes next- no
surprises.
Re-arrange as a last resort – If you find your toddler constantly acting out or a classroom of toddlers out-of-control, take a good look around the room. Are there too many toys, too many chairs, not enough room for play, and could you re-arrange the room making it a safe and fun space for all.Change can be good…think about it.
Most of all, have fun watching your toddler try new things, accomplish new tasks while learning to assert his independence. Keep your camera ready and a good sense of humor as you watch each new chapter unfold. You don’t want to forget a thing!
Blythe Lipman is the president of Baby Instructions. She is passionate about babies, toddlers and their parents. After working in the field for over twenty-five years, she wrote her third award-winning book, HELP! MY BABY CAME WITHOUT INSTRUCTIONS which is available at www.babyinstructions.com,,Amazon.com and all major bookstores . You can hear Blythe’s weekly radio show on Wednesdays, 11am EST @ www.toginet.com Blythe is available for in-home, video and telephone consultations. Become her Fan on Facebook at Baby Instructions and Twitter at BabyInstruction. She posts and tweets daily tips.
©Blythe Lipman 2011
BabyandToddlerInstructions airs on Wednesday at 11am Eastern Standard Time on Toginet Radio and can be downloaded directly from Itunes. Blythe Lipman is the author of Help! My Baby came Without Instructions. Blythe’s book can be ordered by clicking here and for excerpts of her book click here.
BabyandToddlerInstructions is hosted by Blythe Lipman. Blythe has taken care of over 1000 babies in the past twenty-five years. She worked in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit in Boston as a volunteer while attending Boston University. Blythe is the president of Baby Instructions in Scottsdale, Arizona. She has set up infant rooms with turn-key operations in many preschools throughout the country. She works extensively with new parents, providing seminars, tips and daily phone calls of reassurance. Blythe presents workshops sharing her expertise and easy-to-use tips to make those first years the easiest and best! Her parent books have won numerous awards of recognition. Blythe Lipman is also a featured writer for the following publications: CityMommy.com, SJNews.com, ChatChewandChocolate.com, and MomsZone.org.
For more information you can reach Blythe Lipman of Baby Instructions by calling 480-510-1453 or emailing her directly at blythe@babyinstructions.com.
