If you don’t like using time out to discipline your toddler or young child, there are other forms of discipline that may work better for you and your family or you can use a combination of discipline methods. Remember that each child responds differently to discipline methods. One child may respond to a variety of discipline methods, while another child in your family might only respond to one or two methods. You have to figure out what works and what doesn’t work for each of your children. It is important that you remain consistent with the discipline method that you choose to use on your child.
Keep in mind that you can use more than one form of discipline on your child. In fact, the more resources and options you have, the better your chances of finding a discipline method that works for your child. Consistent discipline will help deter your child’s unwanted behaviors. Many parents tend to stick with one method of discipline only and it becomes very frustrating when the technique is no longer working on their child. Do remain flexible and improve your chances of finding a method that works for you, your child, and your family.
Disclosure: These tips are based on my own personal experience. They may or may not work for your family. Please consult your child’s doctor, a child psychologist, or behavioral expert for additional help.
Redirection Turns A Negative Situation into Something Positive
If your child is doing something that you don’t like, you can redirect their attention to something else. This works great when your toddler is getting into something that he or she isn’t supposed to be getting into. This method works by taking the negative behavior and turning it into something positive. For example, if your child is throwing a book. Take the book away from your child and offer them a ball instead. The ball can be thrown (of course if you don’t allow throwing in the house then you might need to be a bit more creative) so it allows your child the opportunity to continue doing what they want to do without tearing up the books.
Distraction Gives Your Child A Toy or Activity That is Safe for Them
You child will likely do something that gets on your nerves at some point; however, the behavior doesn’t warrant punishment. Getting your child to stop doing the thing or things that you or someone else finds annoying, the best thing you can do is to pick your child up and find them an activity that they are allowed or can do. This method of discipline is known as distraction and can be used to effectively remove them from the situation so that you can clean up their mess. This method of discipline isn’t effective for repeat offences or serious behavior issues. For example, if your child is getting into the movies under the TV and you have asked him or her repeatedly to stop. Go over to your child and pick them up. Find an activity or a toy that they can play with.
Pick Your Battles – Sometimes Ignoring Is Enough To Seize Your Child’s Unwanted Behavior
Picking your battles and ignoring your child’s unwanted behaviors can be an effective form of discipline. If you choose to use this technique, make sure that your child is safe and isn’t going to be harm themselves or others in the process. This form of discipline is great to use for temper tantrums (those times when your toddler has a meltdown and throws themselves in the floor), when you catch them repeating a word you said (often times it was a bad word), or fighting with siblings (as long as they aren’t duking it out and harming each other). Your child will realize that you aren’t going to react to their behavior or aren’t going to make a big deal about their behavior. When they realize they aren’t going to get the negative attention that they are seeking, they quickly stop.
Setting Realistic and Fair Consequences Can Be an Effective Form of Discipline for Your Toddler
Set up realistic consequences for your child so that when your child misbehaves they begin to learn the cause and effect for the actions that they choose. This method of discipline can be very effective and it allows you to use “If-Then” statements to help them choose an action. If they continue the unwanted behavior then they lose the privilege or toy. If they choose to obey then they can be rewarded for choosing the correct action. Don’t make life too comfortable for them or else when they are older they won’t take consequences seriously. For example, if your child won’t pick up his or her toys off of the floor, then tell your child that they can’t watch Dinosaur Train today. If you choose to use this method for discipline it is important that you are fair and consistent with your child.
Finding a method of discipline that works on your child can be tricky for parents. It is important that you remain consistent with your discipline efforts. Do what works best for your child and stick with it.
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What type of discipline do you prefer to use on your toddler or young child?
