The 12 Steps of Positive Discipline
- For babies and toddlers try, "Stop, hot! Not for Lucy."
- Try saying YES. "Of course you can play outside . . .as soon as we've finished lunch".
- Finally, for every no, offer 2 acceptable choices. "No Carla, you cannot bite Sarah. You can bite this rubber duck or this crunchy cracker." "Jackie, this book is for your mommy. You can read this book or that book"
Choosing your battles
It can be very frustrating when the child says or does something that isn't what you want. But you do not want to act like a personal policeman over every thing the child does. When you are heading for a conflict, think first: Is this really important? If he refuses to take off his superhero T-shirt, for example, it may be OK to let him sleep in it. Don't try to change all his behaviors at once. Give some time for the child to feel successful.
Choices
The more choices you can offer a child whose independence is blossoming, the better he will tolerate the situations he has no control over. Offer food choices, clothing choices, now or later choices, toy and activity choices, etc. Just make sure that you would be happy with either of the options you are giving.
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Planning ahead
Prevent misbehavior by eliminating situations that spell trouble. For example, do not take kids shopping if they are hungry and tired. -
Natural consequences
If a child won't eat, she will be hungry. If a child won't wear his coat, then playtime outside might be shortened because it is cold. If a child makes a mess, he needs to clean it up, therefore shortening the time for a story afterwards. Natural consequences are used when the situation is not life-threatening. -
Catching your child being good!
Everyone learns more from being praised than from being criticized. Letting him know when he's done something right is one of the best ways to help him understand what kind of behavior you expect.
Disclaimer: This publication is designed to provide helpful and accurate information in regard to the subject matter covered.It is sold with the understanding that neither the author nor the publisher is engaged in rendering medical or health-related advice or any other professional services. If such medical advice or other expert assistance is required, the services of a competent professional should be sought. Publisher and authors cannot in any way guarantee that this information will be properly used for the purposes intended, and therefore, assume no responsibility for its proper and correct use.
Reprinted by Pregnancy.org, LLC with permission from KidCareAtHome.
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