How to Discipline a Defiant 2-Year-Old
Screaming, shouting, kicking and crying are all signs you have a toddler in residence. Living through the "terrible twos" is one of the most challenging aspects of parenting and often leaves the parents wondering where they are going wrong. The truth is, your 2-year-old's defiant behavior is a normal part of her development as well as a reaction to her growing independence and confidence, says a 2007 BabyCenter website article. Only age will lessen your toddler's defiance completely. However, there are a number of things you can do to discipline and minimize defiant outbursts.
Instructions
Praise her good behavior as well as punishing the bad. It is easy to get into a cycle of shouting "NO!" at every opportunity when parenting a toddler. The bad or defiant behavior is usually so annoying that any good behavior flies under the radar unnoticed. The problem with this is that if your toddler connects her bad behavior with attention, whether or not it is negative, she will act this way even more. She will have no incentive to behave well if she gets no credit for it. Structure to her routine and set limits. Children thrive on structure, and while he may not always be impressed with the limits, he expects you to set them for him, says an Ask Dr Sears website article. When giving him direction explain to him what he is doing wrong and why. For example, if he hits another child over a toy, calmly say to him, "We don't hit when we're angry. Ask nicely to use the bike." Not only are you telling him what he is doing wrong, but you are also giving him a solution to make it right again. Simply screaming "no" may get him to stop doing it once, but his lack of understanding on how he should and shouldn't behave means he will keep making the same mistakes. Use time-out in a positive way. When done correctly this method is an effective form of discipline for toddlers. You will need to decide when to use time-out; if you use time-out for minor offenses, he will just come to expect it. Choose a quiet area that is relatively calm and away from anything that may hurt him. When he is defiant, calmly tell him he will be going to time-out for two minutes until he calms down. Set a timer and do not let him leave him until time is up. If he continues to leave stand near him yourself, recommends the BabyCenter website article. Teach her to make her own choices within a controlled environment. Let her choose between two pairs of shoes or ask if she wants broccoli or corn with her meal. If she begins to act out because she wants a cookie before dinner, ask if she would like an apple or banana instead. Much of a toddler's defiance is born from her growing independence and desire to control everything she does. Offering choices allows her to make decisions, therefore giving her the impression she is in control. You are not allowing her to manipulate you; you are getting her to do what you want by giving her a choice. Give him plenty of praise and physical affection. A parent must ensure displays of affection outweigh the punishments, recommends a 2011 Mayo Clinic website article. Do not just show him affection when he has been good. Giving him a hug and telling him you know he is angry can calm a toddler in the middle of a tantrum. Getting to know your child enables you to understand what he expects from you. Be realistic with your expectations; do not set your child up for bad behavior. Think about the situations that you are putting her in and decide if she is at the developmental stage to understand how she needs to behave. Effective discipline relies on trust, and the understanding of right and wrong. Previous:How to Preserve a Child's Extracted Tooth Next:How to Know When to Take Your Sick Child to the Hospital
