Toddlers are terrific little superhumans that can make you happy and delighted and drive you nuts with equal magnitude. They are intuitive and curious, so it is crucial to mold character at an early age. They learn from observing and listening to adults and kids around them as they are not born with social skills. The adult you would want your toddler to grow up into is determined by how you train and discipline them at this tender age. Your toddler’s personality and confidence is mostly a reflection of yourself.
Here are some tips for disciplining your toddlers to become responsible adults:
Lead by Example
Your toddler learns more from observation; they observe every activity you do. It is best if you would ensure not to do the things you tell them to avoid. Be on your best behavior when around them, observe good manners and courteous language when talking to them or around them. Address your toddler with the kind of respect you expect from them. They learn from listening to you. It would help to choose your company of friends wisely. The people you choose to hang around your toddler will significantly affect their character and discipline.
Give Them Your Attention
Be attentive to your toddler, as demanding as they maybe try to be patient. Listen to your toddler as they express themselves because it will build their self-confidence. It will also teach them to be attentive and mindful of other people’s opinions. Besides, it will help you to differentiate between genuine attention-seeking and tantrums.
However, as you give them your attention, learn to set boundaries, teach them to respect boundaries. Teach them to accept both no and yes gracefully as part of life and help them deal with rejection positively in the future. Learn your child and know when to respond and when to ignore the attention-seeking. A toddler can seek attention by tantrums.
Lay Down the Consequences of Indiscipline
A toddler is small-minded but intelligent. It is best as you discipline them to understand that those are the consequences of their behavior. Make them know that choices have effects at an early age.
Commend Them for Good Behavior
Recognize when they do good. Make sure they know you are impressed by their good acts. You can go as far as giving them a present, for instance, an extra snack for their excellent behavior. It will motivate them to be better behaved, even in the future.