Discipline for Toddlers

Toddlers strive for independence and autonomy, and this is why they tend to oppose restrictions placed upon their behavior. Also, their ability to walk sturdily without assistance, their ability to grasp and hold objects more skillfully and their insatiable curiosity result in parents telling toddlers "don't" an awful lot of the time.

In order to reduce potential power struggles with your toddler, as well as the number of times you have to intervene to protect your toddler from harm or touching objects that are off limits, it is important that you make your toddler's home environment a place where you feel comfortable allowing for exploration.

Thus, it is recommended that you store valuable objects and objects that are not appropriate for a toddler out of sight—not simply out of reach. It will only frustrate her to see something she wants but is not allowed to have or touch. This will reduce the number of potential conflicts with your toddler and will leave you more room for positive interactions.

Of course, there will still be occasions when your toddler will need to be disciplined in order to learn that certain behaviors are unacceptable. Time-out and positive discipline have been shown to be effective methods of socializing young children. Rather than becoming stressed over which method to use, pick one or two that you feel comfortable administering and make certain that you do so consistently for the same behaviors, in a neutral tone of voice and with self-control. It is important that you do not punish your toddler randomly, with a harsh tone in your voice or because you are feeling stressed or angry.