Kaboutjie SA Mommy Blogs by Lynne Huysamen
The toddler stage is notoriously trying for parents that need to deal with temper tantrums and headstrong youngsters not listening. Toddlers are exploring the world around themselves, very often getting themselves into trouble. The right type of discipline at this stage can mean all the difference in your child’s behaviour.
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Pick your battles
Trying to force a toddler to respond to you is simply not going to work. Its best to try and maintain a good relationship with your child. Positive reinforcement is a great way of getting them to have more good behavior and less of the bad. Instead of saying no to everything, decide what is important and focus on those things.
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Identify the triggers
Some misbehaviour can be prevented when you’re able to anticipate what is bringing it on. Most toddlers will become cranky when they’re hungry or tired. When going on a shopping trip avoid the sweets aisle if your child is hungry. Saying no will only result in a tantrum. Try to go to the grocery shop once your child had something to eat and preferably after his nap.
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Be consistent
It is vital to be persistent when it comes to toddlers, especially between the ages of two and three. If your reaction or discipline keeps changing, it will only confuse him. If you don’t allow him to play with the ball inside the house today, then the same should apply the next day.
This goes for parents as well. Both parents should be on the same page.
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Avoid becoming emotional
I know it sometimes easier said than done but it’s imperative not to act on emotions when you discipline a child. The message you’re trying to relate will get lost and the situation will only escalate. Try to remain calm and be persistent. Instead of trying to control your child, its much better to control the situation.
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Listen and compromise
When your child is throwing a tantrum because she’s not allowed to open a packet of cookies in the store, remain calm, then compromise. Instead of just saying no, explain to her that she can have the cookies, but you must first pay for it and when you get to the car, she can have a cookie. By staying calm and offer a reasonable explanation, it may not satisfy the urge, but it will help with reducing her anger and defusing the conflict.
Aah! Am I glad that the terrible toddler days of my son are behind me!! Toddler tantrums can be frustrating for parents. The kids test our nerves because they’re testing boundaries all around them, themselves. But handling them right is the key. Agree with all the tips you have shared. Focusing on what’s important, letting go, being consistent in your behaviour are key.
These are all great tips to teach discipline to a toddler. As a parent, we get emotional sometimes and I have experienced it myself that kids take benefit of our emotions. Knowing what triggers misbehaviour, really helps to avoid such a situation. Thanks for sharing this lovely post. I have just forwarded it to my sister who has a toddler.
I’m so glad my toddlers tantrums is behind me. But his 7 years old now still now and again he will throw a tantrum, but thanks for the tips
And a 7 year old can throw a big wobbly! My son is turning 7 at the end of this year so I know exactly what you mean!
These tips are quite useful. Have you read the book the one Minute mother? I spoke to.a clinical psychologist who recommended this book. The reviews are amazing.
Nope never heard of the book Zoereena, I will check it out. Thanks for the recommendation
Right now me and my daughter are in a place where I want to say no to everything and she wants to challenge my limits with everything so this is actually the perfect article for me. Thank you, you are a lifesaver 😊
I still have time to deal with toddler stage but having read so much about toddler tantrums that I am already dreading it. Kids are pretty good at recognising parents’ emotions so it is very important for us to be calm and composed. I love your ideas and points that you have shared. HOpe that my baby will go easy on me 😀
Oh how I needed this!
Oh I needed to hear this, I feel like my child is 3 years old when she’s only a year old. Dealing with a strong willed child
Yes Kamo, I know the feeling! Who named it the terrible two’s anyway? In my experience it starts from one year old and lasts till about four years old!
These tipa works like magic, sometime we parents prefers or its just easier to just say no and expect the little ones to understand.. and for them to understand they need an explanation. For us the toys aisle was mission impossible to pass🙈.
My 3 year old son started throwing his toys around the house when he’s not getting his way and puts himself in timeout when he’s done. How do I deal with this situation?😩
Just know that these phases do blow over! My son also went through a stage of throwing his toys, so then every time he threw one of his toys I confiscated it and put it in my top cupboard for 2 days. It was quite effective.
Currently experiencing some terrible tantrums and we heading to terrible 2’s so these tips will definitely becoming in handy.
I’ve been looking for advice for my one twin she is so stubborn nowadays and it’s give me grey hair I’m so by the edge with her attitude. She stands up no matter what without showing is coming with a tantrum or being rude with her sister. The attitude start to scare me I make her sit and we had a long chat she realise then she is naughty and apologize and today it’s a huge change ur post advice me more thank you
I’m so glad it has made a difference, I really struggled with my daughter during the toddler years too. I found my son much easier.
I agree with all this and will practice them more going forward
Love this thank you for these pointers.
I struggle with my son and I end up losing my temper sometimes which is not helpful or fair towards him.