| Discipline For Little Ones |
| Setting limits during your child's first 3 years is critical and, of course, difficult. How, for example, do you get your toddler to understand that she can't throw sand at her playmate in the sandbox? The key is to teach your child which behaviors are and are not allowed. Here's an age-by-age guide. |
| Infant Your baby cries incessantly. Respond to her crying, which is your infant's only way of communicating. Make sure that her needs (for sleep, nourishment, changing, and comforting) are met. Don't worry--you can't spoil an infant. ______________________________________________________________________ 8-9 mos. Your baby wreaks havoc Setting limits at this age means exploring the living room. keeping your curious child safe. Childproof your home, remove dangerous and breakable objects, and provide baby-safe substitutions, such as a low kitchen cupboard filled with plastic containers, for her to explore. _______________________________________________________________________ 1 year Your baby is drawn to Begin setting limits in earnest, what's off-limits, such as now that your child is aware of the TV, the VCR, the the forbidden and is intentionally stove, and electrical outlets. testing you. Respond consistently whenever your baby tries something dangerous (a firm "no, that's hot" for example); offer interesting, safe alternatives. ______________________________________________________________________ 1-2 yrs. Your child becomes Stop saying no so much yourself, increasingly defiant and since toddlers imitate adults. loves the word no. Instead of asking her whether Tantrums are becoming she wants to do something, steer more regular. her in the right direction by saying "Let's go take a bath' and walking her to the tub. When your child throws a tantrum, make sure that she's safe and can't hurt herself, and then leave the room, telling her that you'll be back when she's calm. ______________________________________________________________________ 2-3 yrs. Your child responds to no Make certain limits nonnegotiable. by trying to negotiate. If your kids are clear that arguing will get them no where, they might not bother. Focus of enforcing those limits that are most important to you. And keep explanations short and simple. If you try to reason too much with your kids, they are sure to reason back. ______________________________________________________________________ |
| AGE CHALLENGE SOLUTION |
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