Toddler Tips: Taming the Savage Beast

by Heather Long | More from this Blogger

04 Sep 2006 12:00 PM

We talked about tempering toddler tantrums earlier and while you will learn very quickly what works with your little one, here are a few other tips for taming some of the behavior your toddler may exhibit. It's important to remember, even when you are verging on ripping your own hair out, that toddlers do not necessarily know right from wrong. That's what we are teaching them.

So with that in mind, here are some toddler tips for taming them and teaching them at the same time:

• Scribbles - Your toddler loves to draw, on paper, on furniture, on their toys, on themselves and even on the walls. You have to remind them, frequently that we do not draw on anything except paper and then direct them to the paper. Keep supplies like this out of reach except for when you set them up to draw; remember it's your job to provide the distraction and instruction
• No Time Outs - A time out only works when your child can understand what the time out is for. Before the age 2, few toddlers are going to even begin what that concept is. So if they are in the midst of a meltdown, throwing things, beating their fists on the floor or flailing, pick them up and sit them down in your lap, holding them securely but not too tightly and let them scream it out. They will calm down soon enough and while you are not putting them in a time out, you are removing them from harming themselves
• Give them Control - Your toddler is learning about the world around them and exerting their own influence over it. They crave their own sense of control and self-determination - let him or her decide what to wear from choices you give them and what to eat from the healthy options you've already determined - this gives them a sense of control
• Reward good behavior - Emphasize positive reinforcement, when you see them being good or making good choices, a hug and words of praise would not be remiss
• Overload on the hugs and kisses - Remember, your child still needs and craves a lot of affection - be sure to be demonstrable so he or she knows that they are very loved. It's important to do this after a discipline and most other times during the day just to remind them that yes, they are loved

What other toddler tips can you think of to help temper their behavior and teach them at the same time?

Related Articles:

Stay in Control - Toddler Trouble

Pay Attention to Me: Toddlers & Telephones

Toddler Antics: Do You Have a Little Nudist?

Learn more about Heather Long

Heather Long is 35 years old and currently lives in Wylie, Texas. She has been a freelance writer for six years. Her husband and she met while working together at America Online over ten years ago.

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Jaime Egan (2178) 04 Sep 2006 06:04 PM

When my daughter has been told several times not to do something, I do hold her in my lap for a minute (she is not yet two). While I am holding her, I attempt to explain why I removed her from the situation. Sometimes she says, "okay," and then she doesn't do it again. I think our young ones sometimes understand more than we realize.