728x90
my iParenting
From Our Sponsors
e-newsletters
Sign up to receive our free weekly e-newsletters

new terms of use
new privacy policy
award-winning products
The iParenting Media Awards program helps parents find the best products for their families.
Home › Articles › Discipline › Just Say No to "No"

Just Say No to "No"

6 Strategies to Get Your Toddler to Do What You Want (Without Using the N-word)

By Jennifer Nelson

Pages:  1  2  3  

Every time your child exhibits the inappropriate behavior you've decided to correct, you must reply with the same reactionary response. Whether you remove the child from the situation, use a time out, redirect her attention or use another method, you need to be consistent with the consequences each and every time. Toddlers come to understand and even predict what your response will be and will eventually give up the offending behavior. Again, patience is a good virtue, as this may take some time.

Supervision is Required
Parents can "teach" a young child not to run into the street, but those same parents would never allow their child to play unsupervised near a busy roadway. Why? "Simply because they cannot trust that the child has really "learned" the lesson and has enough self-discipline and responsibility not to run into the street," says Nelsen. Yet the same parents often expect children to "listen" when they are told "no" and can't comprehend why their children disobey the second they aren't being watched. Simply said -- toddlers require supervision.

Remember, you may have to repeat these strategies over and over before you get the results you want. But your attitude and actions will determine whether you create a battleground or a loving atmosphere for your toddler to explore and develop. Less use of the word "no" may be just the tactic your toddler needs.


Pages:  1  2  3