Having a child is undoubtedly the most satisfying of all blessings any individual can receive. Children are the pride and joy of parents. As a parent, it is your responsibility to nourish your toddler with only the best of everything to ensure him a happy and healthy life. However, toddler parenting can be such a tedious task as it has its own ups and downs. Consistency is important to successfully stabilize your little one’s development. Also, it serves as the foundation when it comes to disciplining your toddler.

Undoubtedly, there are thousands of toddler parenting tips that can be found in books, magazines, newspapers, online forums and websites. Each tip may be helpful to a particular toddler but may not be valuable to another child. Every toddler is different. Thus, it is up to the parents how they will incorporate these tips. But regardless of the different techniques you apply to your toddler, these six tried and tested parenting tips must be used.

Tip # 1: Show Affection and Optimism

Positive words and actions top the list of many toddler parenting tips. For it is through expression that lets toddlers know they are not alone and that their mom and dad will always stay by their side no matter what. Give your child security through your affection. Make it a point to openly show affection towards your toddler. Always remember that your displays of love must outnumber the times you punish him. Studies have shown that toddlers whose parents constantly hug, kiss, cuddle and praise them are more likely to follow their rules.

Tip # 2: Model Good Behaviour

As parents are the first teachers of their children, it is essential that you become a role model to your toddler. The way your young one acts and treats other people is a reflection of your own personality. So if you do not want him to scream at others, then do not raise your voice or easily get mad when he makes mistakes. Instead, talk to him in a calm yet firm and serious manner. This will alleviate his uneasiness making him open up to you better.

Tip # 3: Show Consistency

When it comes to disciplining your toddler, setting rules is a must. Showing consistency is a prerequisite. Setting good rules opens up your toddler’s eyes to the facts of life. It also lays down a solid foundation that will help him during his development. Let your toddler know that you are serious about the rules you have set. Make it clear to him what you expect from him and point out that there will be consequences if the rules are not followed.

Tip # 4: Reprimand Him

When your toddler breaks his rules repeatedly, let him face consequences. This will make him realize that his actions are wrong encouraging him to cooperate. Give him your warning signal. Let him stay in his time out spot for a while. Withhold privileges (e.g. his favorite toy, chocolates, chips, etc.).

Tip # 5: Allow Him to Make Mistakes

Too much rules only confuses your little one’s mind. Take time to think about the rules you have laid down. Never expect your child to be well-behaved at all times or obey every rule that you set. Minimize your rules as much as possible. Keep in mind that mistakes are always the best teacher. Let your toddler learn things on his own. Allow him to make his own decisions. It can be as simple as letting him choose the clothes he wants to wear or making him select which toy he likes in the toy store. If he makes an error, do not accuse him and stay by his side. In this way, he learns how to resolve his own battles independently.

Tip # 6: Stop Conforming Him to Be Like You

Most times, parents often forget that toddlers have a mind of their own. Accept the traits and personality of your child. Do not conform him to be like mommy and daddy. He is his own individual. Instead of pinpointing his bad habits, find ways to help him change and improve. Build on your toddler’s strengths to boost his self-esteem.

Your toddler learns from mimicking you. So always make an effort to be a good example. Take good care of him by using encouraging and positive words and actions.

Disciplining your toddler is not only about making him follow all the things you say. But rather it is about letting him understand the value of good manners and respect. At his young age, you may find it impossible to make your young one comprehend the importance of discipline as he has a mind of his own. Social rules need to be instilled to help your toddler grow into a bright, fun and loving individual, and as a parent, it is your duty to accomplish this responsibility.

It is stressful to raise your toddler into a well-behaved and well-mannered individual especially if he likes to cry, kick and scream. But, discipline is essential to help your child fittingly transition to a well adjusted teen and into an adult. To help you out, toddler discipline techniques must be observed.

Technique # 1: Proper Communication

Language helps you transmit discipline points to your toddler. You need to focus and use an effective and open communication approach to help you properly deliver what you have to say. When talking to your toddler, always be mindful to use positive words instead of derogatory ones. Negative words only causes bad effects in his way of thinking and can dampen his self-confidence. You have to let your toddler know what you want to do and what he needs to do to make him pay attention. Avoid telling him what you do not want him to do since this will only challenge him. Also, use the words “no” and “stop” scarcely since the impact of these words decreases when used repeatedly. Simply ask him what is wrong, what is bothering him and from there talk to him in a way you would talk to a mature adult.

Technique # 2: Always Look For The Positive

Whenever your toddler does something wrong, never scold him point blank. Instead, stop the action and ask him what is wrong. These catches his attention making him open up to you. You have to understand what the problem is before instilling any consequences. In this way, your toddler knows you feel for him but he has to pay for his actions.

Technique # 3: Educate With Constructive Reinforcement

Your little one needs to learn the impact of his actions. If he starts to put on a tantrum, kicks, cries and screams, do not let your guard down. Never lose your temper to a wailing child. Teach your toddler about boundaries and limitations by using affirmative and nurturing words. Instead of shouting “ Stop jumping on the bed!”, try a firm “Do not jump on the bed, you might get yourself and other people hurt.” Chances are, he is oblivious of his actions and you giving him a heads up about it helps him think twice about his actions.

Technique # 4: Set Limits and Stick to It

The effectiveness of your disciplinary techniques depends on how much limitations you set and if you stick to it or bend at the slightest cute tricks your toddler makes. It is important that you instil verbal and physical limitations to help him be sensitive towards other people’ feelings. In this way, he realizes that not everything is about him and that he can hurt others when careless. Restrict him accordingly. Too much boundaries makes him feel confined making him more eager to bend his limitations.

Technique # 5: Keep It Fun

Discipline bores your toddler. To keep his interest running, give him a reward after doing a good deed. Tell him he can have ice cream after he finishes his fruits and vegetables. Turn rules into a fun activity and never forget to commend him from time to time. Making it fun for your little one helps him easily adjust to the rules minus the stress and screaming marathon.

Technique # 6: Use The Time Out Rule

Disciplining your young one during the incident will inform him that you do not tolerate such foul behaviours. Whenever he does something negative, send him to a corner for a short time. Do not speak to him. After the time out, have a serious talk with him and point out what he did was wrong and that he can hurt people with his actions. Inform him that if he repeats it again, he will face another time out.

To instil discipline to your child does not mean spanking, shouting or hitting him. Instead, discipline him by having a clear, firm, serious and commanding conversation. This approach is more effective in making him realize his wrong doings.