How to Get a Toddler to Behave

Toddlerhood is a joyous time of discovery and growth for children. As they begin to walk, talk and explore their environment, toddlers also begin to discover the importance of self. Toddlers can express a wide array of emotion to compensate for undeveloped language skills and will not hesitate to act on their feelings, regardless of their environment. Understanding a toddler's individual needs can help parents communicate with their child and prevent tantrums before they start.

Instructions

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      Set limits and boundaries. Certain activities should be off limits to toddlers, particularly when their safety is in question. Parents can create a safe environment for their children by removing potential hazards, providing plenty of age-appropriate activities and child-sized furniture and strictly enforcing timeouts when toddlers misbehave, according to Ask Dr. Sears.

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      Have a regular schedule. Children who know what to expect will anticipate what's coming and be prepared for it. Disruptions in the child's normal schedule can cause her to act out against the unfamiliar. Routines give the child a sense of stability, reports Ask Dr. Sears.

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      Anticipate needs. Parents can pack healthy snacks to keep a toddler's appetite at bay before venturing out for a walk or going on a trip to the grocery store. Plan the day around your toddler's nap times to ensure he'll be rested when it's time to run errands.

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      Utilize the power of distraction. Closely supervising a toddler and calling her name when she's headed for danger can prevent injury and serve to distract her from potential mischief, says Ask Dr. Sears. Keeping children busy can prevent boredom, a sure recipe for trouble.

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      Avoid power struggles. Tantrums can occur when children become frustrated and aren't able to express their unhappiness with words. Rather than engaging the frustrated toddler in a power struggle, removing him from the immediate environment can diffuse the situation and help him to calm down, according to KidsHealth.

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      Give your toddler choices. Toddlers love to be in control, but they also need limits and ultimately feel safest when they know their parents are in charge. Giving a toddler control over some of his choices can fulfill his craving for independence and head off potential tantrums, according to Kids Health.

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      Use timeouts effectively for misbehaviors. Children between the ages of 2 and 3 are able to understand timeouts when they are used consistently. Have a specific area reserved for timeouts, and escort your toddler to this place directly after her misbehavior. Ask Dr. Sears suggests keeping timeouts brief, using one minute per year of the child's age. Using an alarm clock or timer can help you keep track of time while children quietly contemplate their actions. When the time is up, review your expectations and allow your toddler to return to her activity.

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