5 discipline mistakes to avoid
Rather than a sign of naughtiness, your toddler’s tantrums are actually a symptom of how her brain is growing. Here are 5 discipline mistakes to avoid from our post on Behind The Tantrums.
Article written by Chevonne Powell for the Your Baby Magazine
1. It’s easy to think you’re expected to be stern to get results. But it is possible, and beneficial, to discipline with love by being calm and kind. You don’t want your children to be afraid of you, but you can remain strong with consistent boundaries while still being loving and compassionate.
2. Remember that because young children are mostly still in a non-verbal phase, they use their behaviour to communicate. So when your little one is naughty, try to consider what she’s trying to tell you through her actions. There may be things behind her behaviour, like tiredness, anger, sadness or frustration, that are causing it.
3. We all make mistakes, even parents. So when you’ve been overly emotional or harsh in your response to your toddler’s behaviour, admit to it and ask for forgiveness. When we show our children what it means to be humble we go a long way to repairing whatever damage may have been done.
4. We expect children to be well behaved for a large part of the time. We forget that they are small, with growing minds that fluctuate. Just because your daughter held it together yesterday doesn’t mean she can do it today. And if she doesn’t it’s not the end of the world – you can both try again tomorrow.
5. Don’t expect the world of yourself either – you’re just a person getting through life and trying to be the best parent you can be. Love your children, set boundaries that are consistent and clear, ask for forgiveness when you’ve erred and discipline them with kindness.
