How To Discipline A Toddler When They Don’t Listen

Disciplining any toddler has been a challenge for a while now. Even for the best parents, they can attest to the challenges that come with trying to discipline theirs.

We saw it wise to come up with some of the best toddler discipline strategies when they don’t listen.

Listed are some of the strategies on how to discipline a toddler when they don’t listen that can help a lot when it comes to the discipline of your child. They have been used in the past to curb some of the bad behaviors that tend to crop up in toddlers as they grow.

1. Choose your battles wisely

Don’t stick to saying one thing to them whenever they are misbehaving. They tend to tune to that phrase and get used to it. They will no longer heed to the caution intended from using it. You should set limits that are in accordance with what is more important and let them know that each behavior has consequences.

Let go on behaviors that are not permanent. Ensure you maintain a healthy relationship with them which is more essential to their growth and don’t try to force ideas on them always yet their age doesn’t allow them to respond as expected each time.

2. Get to understand their triggers well

Understand what causes certain behaviors in them and try as much as possible to prevent such from happening. Create some good game plans before they are triggered and get rid of all the physical behavior triggers

A toddler may not be willing to stop throwing the tissue paper on the floor, to avoid this behavior from happening despite warning them, put the tissue roll on a higher place like a shelf where they can’t reach it. This way you will get rid of the trigger and also prevent any fights that would have occurred from it.

3. Prevent the behavior from occurring in advance

Hunger, being tired, or just being pissed are some of the things that can cause some bad behaviors in toddlers. They may be happy in the morning hours, but once they eat their lunch they get sleepy and easily irritated. It is best to go for that clinic visit in the morning hours because in the evening it will be a total mess.

Try to explain to them that they should not do any of the bad behavior. For instance, you should tell them in a few minutes you need to wrap up all her play stuff and head home. The psychological preparation will prevent any kind of tantrum from them.

4. Be Consistent in your Response Patterns

For any unbecoming behavior be consistent in how you respond to it and they will notice that such a gesture means they are wrong and they need to stop it. Toddlers at the age of 2-3 years are in a perfect position to grasp what every action they do gets an impact from the people who are around them.

Post: Toddler Developmental Milestones Checklist

If you warn them against dropping their food on the floor don’t let it go next time they start throwing some around the house as they eat. The confusion from the different reactions increases with being inconsistent.

5. Keep the strategy short and simple

You need to be firm on the consequences of their bad behaviors. Whenever they break any rule make it known to them that they will face consequences such as losing their toy if they persist. Don’t keep on talking about the same thing over and over without actions; it is not effective at all. Keep your phrases short, only repeat them a few times each time and include gestures if need be such as facial expressions. For example, you could say, “No, Ben! Don’t pull the chair! Don’t hit!

More toddler discipline tips here.

25 More Tips on How To Discipline A Toddler When They Don’t Listen

1. Find your toddler’s intentions
2. Listen to your toddler
3. Use positive language
4. Give warnings
5. Set a good example
6. Don’t view discipline as punishment
7. Read to her
8. Give your toddler a choice
9. Set limits and keep them
10. Explain the reason
11. Reinforce your message
12. Don’t “ask” the instruction
13. Find opportunities for praise
14. Get down to her level
15. Share mealtimes
16. Motivate
17. Give realistic instructions
18. Praise your toddler when he does what he’s asked to
19. Be clear
20. Talk after the tantrum has finished
21. Give and follow through with consequences
22. Follow through fast
23. be a parent, not a buddy
24. Don’t give empty threats
25. Don’t threaten or explode

Share your thoughts

Raising a toddler could be an exciting journey. However there comes a time when they tend to stretch your patience and if you don’t have a grip, it would take a toll on you. These tips are only a few on how to discipline your toddler when they don’t listen. We are hopeful that it could help in a way in your situation. Share us your experience through some comments below.