Methods for Dealing With Inappropriate Behaviors of Toddlers 5.03

Guiding Toddlers’ Behavior Set a good example Set limits Meet toddlers’ needs instead of punishing Show love for toddler Give the toddler respect Be consistent

Punishment Decide whether misbehavior is intentional or unintentional. Use punishment to remind children that appropriate behavior is important and to teach them the consequences of poor decisions. First offense = warning Keep punishment reasonable for age

Natural Consequences Avoid lecturing the child Avoid replacing item ruined by behavior Avoid taking care of the situation for a child

Logical Consequences Connect consequences to misbehavior Be prepared to follow through with consequences Loss of privilege Time-out Number of minutes = age Ex. - 3 years old = 3 minutes of time out

Less Effective Responses Avoid using these!! Bribery Making child promise to behave Shouting and yelling Shaming and belittling Threatening to withhold love Be consistent

Specific Inappropriate Behaviors Contrariness Use pretend games Temper Tantrums Put expectations in positive statements Hitting Guide child toward choices

Authoritarian Parent Strict, expects students to obey without question Responds quickly and firmly to rules that are broken

Democratic Parent Gets input from child for rules and limits Children have freedom of choice

Permissive Parent Gives child lots of freedom Lets child set own rules Teaches child to think for himself/herself