How to Discipline a 2 Year Old When Pregnant With a Second Child

Having a second child is a joyous occasion -- until it causes your toddler to start acting up. The focus on your belly, added to your fatigue and less attention going her way, can have your 2-year-old rebelling to get some extra notice herself. If you find that your toddler has entered the terrible twos at the worst possible time, get creative with discipline. You can give her extra time and care to ward off negative behavior while you're pregnant with her sibling.

Instructions

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      Give your toddler plenty of extra attention. Between doctor's appointments, resting up and spending time with family and friends, your toddler can feel lost in the shuffle of pregnancy. Without the normal singular attention she gets, your toddler might find that misbehaving is a way to gain attention, even if it's negative. Make sure that you put aside time where you can play with, read to and spend time giving your toddler the attention she needs.

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      Distract your toddler when she throws a fit or misbehaves, suggest child development experts with the Kids Health website. Depending on where you are in your pregnancy, you may not always be in a position where you can carry your toddler to time out or deal with a meltdown. By redirecting your toddler's attention, you can put the behavior on the back burner and give her something else on which to focus.

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      Offer your little one a baby doll to teach your toddler how to treat babies, suggests the University of Michigan Health System website. A toddler can't really understand the concept of pregnancy, other than it means less attention for her. By showing your little one how to care for and be gentle around babies, she might feel more included and prepped for when her sibling makes his appearance.

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      Walk away and take a concurrent time out from your little one if she's really starting to push your buttons. A short time out can be an excellent way for both of you to calm down and lower stress levels.

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      Choose your battles wisely, suggests the Ask Dr. Sears website. If your toddler is getting into things around the house -- as all toddlers do -- but is still safe and happy, you can loosen up on the rules. Pregnancy can make you tired, irritable and moody, so cut both yourself and your toddler some slack and save the major discipline for when your toddler is being unsafe, inappropriate or disrespectful.

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