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Discipline Ideas for Toddlers - Page 3

© Jeri Carr

Show your child how to touch gently and find a kind of code word or phrase that you consistently use when he hits as a reminder of how to touch such as "gentle," "gentle touches," or "soft."

Quietly say, "We don't hit people," amd then redirect his attention to an appropriate activity.

Depending on the situation and a child's ability to understand, offer him your hand so he can give you a "high-five" or give him something else to hit, like a pillow. . . "You cannot hit me, but you can hit this pillow."

As they learn to speak, teach your children to "use their words" instead of acting wrongly to get their way. Instead of hitting, help them learn to say, "I'm mad." "You've hurt my feelings." Even before they learn to speak, verbalizing for them how they feel can help them understand their feelings better and can help them feel understood.

Set a good example and don't hit or slap your child or in front of your child--whether under the guise of discipline or in a joking manner. For instance, some people might tell someone, "Oh, you're being silly," and then "playfully" punch that person on the shoulder. Some people "playfully" give their child a slap on the rump.

Be careful of what your child watches on TV.

Choose his playmates carefully.

Sometimes your child might need a little "**insert child's name*** time" or some "quiet time." This should not be a time to make him feel bad or to punish him, but instead the goal is to diffuse an explosive situation and help your child calm down. If he is a child who likes routine, he may appreciate doing the same thing each time in the same place, but don't make a list of rules that he must follow during his quiet time. Your toddler might just like to sit in your lap and cuddle; a nursing toddler might like to snuggle and nurse. How about a book? If he would enjoy a little time alone, that can be a good choice sometimes, but don't leave him alone to cry and be angry, and don't leave him alone if he is scared. As he gets older, help him create a special, comfortable place with calming activities (perhaps drawing paper and crayons, play dough, books) where he can go when he starts feeling upset. Be sure to go with him if he needs your presence.

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