Discipline Ideas for Toddlers - Page 4

Won't stop throwing a toy

1. Distract your child. . . get him interested in something else--another toy or activity such as turning on music and dancing, playing "ring around the rosies," or blowing bubbles (and if necessary, quickly hide the toy).
2. Show your child acceptable ways to use the toy. "We don't throw trucks, we make them go vrrrrrm, vrrrrrm." If it's a ball your child is throwing, and you don't want him to throw it inside, say, "We throw balls outside; inside we roll them," and show him what you mean.
3. Give them an alternative toy that they can throw, perhaps a bean bag or a scarf. "You can't throw that, but you can throw this."
4. Show your children acceptable ways to express their anger. Maybe they could hit a pillow (have a pillow fight with an older toddler!). Empathize and tell them "I can see that you are angry, but that toy is not for throwing. You may do **insert option** instead."
5. Teach them to "use their words." Instead of throwing a toy out of anger, maybe they can say, "I'm mad." "You've hurt my feelings." "It makes me angry when you **insert what makes them angry."
6. Explain to your child that he will not be able to play with that toy if he continues to throw it ("this toy will have to go bye-bye for awhile"--and offer an alternative). Put it away if he continues to throw it and take it out another day.