How to deal with a naughty child
A toddler will misbehave a lot- that’s his nature. The job of a parent is to set and enforce limits, teach the child right from wrong, helping him to learn and practice self- control. Your toddler may not completely and always live by the rules or even remember the rules; but it’s never too early to lay the foundation for good future behavior.
Although little children do provoke us – and there are times when we would dearly love to give them a spanking, this is an impulse we need to control for the benefit of the child. The toddler doesn’t understand why you are angry and why you are smacking him. In fact he is surprised and he thinks that you hate him.
Discipline is needed- beating and spanking are not necessarily beneficial, especially to toddlers. It will help if we remember certain basics:
- Be motivated by your love for your child. Dole out discipline with as much love as you do your hugs.
- Be neither harsh nor permissive.
- Use methods that suit your child, age and situation.
- Be consistent. If jumping on the bed is bad on Monday- let it be so every day of the week.
- Be persistent and patient. Be prepared to say” don’t touch that plug point’, or ‘ don’t throw the food’ every day for weeks, if necessary Don’t give up or give in—give it time!
- Let your voice be modulated and firm.
- Be calm.
METHODS THAT USUALLY WORK:
1. Don’t over-react to bad behavior but pay special attention to him when he behaves well. By recognizing and praising good behavior, you’ll encourage him to behave well more often.
2. Let discipline suit the crime. If a cup of milk is overturned intentionally- he has to clean up and fore go a refill. He doesn’t get any more.
3. Let circumstances teach him. If he breaks a toy-don’t replace it immediately with a new one. Let him learn that his actions have consequences.
4. Divert his attention : If he’s getting pleasure in stamping on your books, divert his attention to what the cat is doing.
5. Remove your child from the scene of a crime in progress. Place him in a spot away from it for a while –hold him in your arms as you do some quiet activity.
6. Explain the rules simply and clearly—“ no hitting, hitting hurts”
7. Prevent situations from arising. Start by showing your child how to touch someone gently.
8. Don’t issue orders from far away. Go near him, look him in the eye, tell him to stop banging,
9. If he is about to do something dangerous, intervene and stop him from acting. Explain briefly why you’re stopping the activity.
Set limits; your toddler needs them. Let the rules be age appropriate and fair. Don’t change the rules frequently—he will get confused. There shouldn’t be too many limits. Strike a happy balance between too many limits and no limits at all
More interesting articles:
Time-outs for your child
13 fun gifts to give your child
10 safe home remedies to reduce cold, cough and flu
Are you a working parent?
How to teach manners to your child