It may seem that no matter what you offer or ask, all you get is resistance and often tantrums in children.
As uncomfortable as it feels, this resistance is good for your child. That’s because toddlers need to test their independence and power as they grow.
No one likes a power struggle every day, though, so here are a few toddler discipline tips to make the “no” stage more bearable.
- Stick to a few simple rules. Make them easy to understand and follow.
- Enforce the rules—every time. It’s hard enough to learn the ropes when you’re little. When adults change their own rules every day, it’s nearly impossible for a child to learn to obey and become responsible.
- Use reason, not power. Children follow rules better when they understand the reason for a rule. Explaining the reasons for rules also teaches children to cooperate.
So don’t be afraid of debate as you discipline kids under three. It’s never too early to explain your reasons to your toddler. Even if she speaks only a few words, she understands much more than you’d imagine.
Source: Parenting the Second and Third Years, 15–16 months. University of Wisconsin-Extension, 1997. NCR Publication # 578.