5 Effective and Positive Discipline tricks for toddlers

I recently went to a seminar for my work about effective and good discipline for kids. Although the program was implemented to be used for the public school system, I found many good and useful tools and tips for parenting at-home. The number 1 rule is to be consistent on your discipline. Sound easier than it really is. Our family doesn't have a strict schedule, so to be consistent all the time requires more self-disciple from my part. Consistency is very important when it comes to discipline. When you say "no hitting" the first time your child smacks another child on the playground, you also need to say "no hitting" the second, third, and fourth times your child does it. Using the same words every time you teach your child good behavior will help her following the guideline better. Rule number 2 is to think like your child. Toddlers are not mini-adults. They have a hard time understanding many of the things we take for granted, such as how to follow directions or behave appropriately. Seeing the scenario from your kid viewpoint can help prevent a tantrum and help them understanding better their surrounding. Just ask yourself why your kid did this and it will help you communicate better with your child. Rule number 3 is the art of distraction. When you want to avoid a bad situation, redirecting your child is often the key. It' s time to take advantage of the toddler's short attention span. When your child has been running around dining room table for the 10th time after you've said to stop, redirecting your child to a more productive activity, like moving the game outside or offering a new game like a scavenger hunt around the house can save you an outburst from your little one. Rule number 4 is to give your child a break. The very popular "time-outs" can sometime work, but they may not be the best approach for the toddler stage. The negative implication of being sent away can teach kids that they're bad, rather than promote good behavior. Instead created a "cozy corner," a safe place, without distractions and stimulation, where your child can just relax for a few minutes until she can get back in control. That time away can help you to calm down, as well. And rule number 5 is pick your battles. Not every situations are worth the headache of an argument. My kid is very stubborn and he knows already exactly what he wants when he wants it. Certain things are non-negotiable, like brushing his teeth, eating meals, sitting in his car seat or biting and hitting. But many other situations are easy to give in and can be fun to go with instead of having dispute. Hope this can help your strong-minded child and you to have more good days that bad days.