How to Discourage Your Toddler From Being Naughty

Misbehavior and the toddler years often go hand in hand. Discouraging naughty behavior in your toddler can be difficult, but the work you put in at this stage will benefit you in the future. If you want to help him develop into a well-behaved child and then a respectful teenager, you need to set suitable limits when he is a toddler.

Instructions

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      Spend plenty of quality time with your toddler -- just the two of you. No matter how busy your schedule is or how many other children you have demanding your attention, it's important to devote some special time to your toddler. If she knows she has your undivided attention on a regular basis, even if only for 15 minutes, she'll be less likely to act up to make you notice her. Remember that in a toddler's eyes, negative attention, like getting into trouble for being naughty, is better than no attention at all.

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      Recognize your toddler's good behavior with verbal praise, smiles and physical affection. By drawing his attention to the times he behaves well, you are encouraging him to continue displaying this type of behavior. Compliment your toddler for simple things like putting his empty juice box in the trash, holding your hand and staying by your side as you walk through the mall and sharing his toys with another child. He'll respond to your praise and want to please you again and again.

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      Focus on encouraging good behavior in your toddler, rather than punishing her for being naughty. Establish routines and set rules so that she knows what you expect of her. Your toddler isn't mature enough to understand (or accept) that lights have to go off at a certain time of night, but you can establish a bedtime routine so that she knows she only gets one story before going to sleep.

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      Provide a safe environment for your toddler to explore and satisfy his growing curiosity about the world. This will help to keep him entertained and prevent frustration and boredom, which could lead to misbehavior. Allocate a drawer in your kitchen to your toddler, filled with safe things he can hold and play with like plastic cups, measuring spoons and food containers. Fill a large plastic bowl with water and take it into the yard on a warm day to let him splash to his heart's content. Invest in a toddler-sized table and chairs where she can have her meals and do arts and crafts, to stop her from climbing onto the full-sized furniture.

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