Disciplining a three year old child
While the cuteness of the toddler age still persists the three year old children begin to explore the world their way. They want you to be nearby but at the same time do not want you to actively interfere. But when it comes to safety and discipline you have to take active participation in controlling their behaviors, as this age forms the foundation of their future personalities.
Every child has a different personality and the ways to deal with them are also different. As parents, you have to make an attempt to understand your children and their personalities but refrain from labeling anything. You can be the best judge and plan for a disciplining method which suits the best to your children.
How to discipline?
- Understand your children’s nature, their behavior and their preferences. Try to analyze their situation, any experiences that you may find were worth considering, any not so normal type of behavior that may have annoyed you or embarrassed you in public.
- Talk to your partner or any other close family member about it and decide for a plan of action. Avoid talking anything (especially about them) in front of the children. Analyze your behavior and that of all other family members to understand if the kids are learning from imitation.
- Create a positive environment for the entire family that involves family time and interaction. Try to remove distractions like television, phone calls when spending quality time with the family. Allow the kids to focus on one activity and then move to the next. Playing family games taking turns can be a great choice.
- Cut down on all negative behaviors that you might have spot adult family members. Encourage the kids and all family members to maintain a healthy routine and a positive attitude. Spending weekends doing family outings, visits to a park, swimming, cycling can work well.
- When talking directly to the kids carry a more positive tone and avoid negative words. Instead of refusing their unacceptable behavior, give them a better alternative that is acceptable. Appreciate their efforts whenever appropriate. Allow them to make simple choices and take their help in your chores.
- Manage a tantrum without losing your temper and help them to calm down. This does not mean that you given in to the situation. Once they have settled down you can explain to them or settle on an acceptable solution.
