Even for Military Moms, Toddler Discipline Isn't Easy
My two-year-old has some discipline problems. He refuses to sleep without a sippy cup, and he's throwing tantrums. He seems ready for potty training—he stays dry for a while and seems interested—but then won't sit on the toilet. His dad just recently returned from Iraq and was with us for two months, but now he's gone again, and it's gotten worse. Can you help me get a handle on toddler discipline for my son?
Military wives have a difficult road and my thoughts are with you. Your son is dealing with a lot of transitions, which are overwhelming for a two-year-old. So instead of worrying so much about all these toddler discipline issues at once, slow down and handle one thing at a time. First, I would start with the tantrums. Next, work on the sippy cup. If you haven't already, change it to water at bedtime, because milk or juice can damage his teeth. If it is already water, then start by only giving half a cup and explaining that's all we have at bedtime!
Potty training should be easy, but only if he is really ready: Find a reward system—it could be stickers, snacks, or anything else that will motivate him. I reward at first for just trying, since getting them to try is a step in itself! Explain that when he is done and is potty trained, he is a big boy and will get a big boy prize. Then take him and let him pick out something special.
His dad being gone is a big transition for him so make sure to keep up the communication. Send Dad letters and pictures and talk about him often. Make sure that when Dad returns, he does not compensate for being gone by being overly lenient, and that you two are still on the same page!
Get more child behavior tips from the Nanny 911 Nannies!
Potty training should be easy, but only if he is really ready: Find a reward system—it could be stickers, snacks, or anything else that will motivate him. I reward at first for just trying, since getting them to try is a step in itself! Explain that when he is done and is potty trained, he is a big boy and will get a big boy prize. Then take him and let him pick out something special.
His dad being gone is a big transition for him so make sure to keep up the communication. Send Dad letters and pictures and talk about him often. Make sure that when Dad returns, he does not compensate for being gone by being overly lenient, and that you two are still on the same page!
Get more child behavior tips from the Nanny 911 Nannies!
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Nanny Deb
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