Pregnant? What You Need to Know About Your Pregnancy

Pregnant? What You Need to Know About Your Pregnancy

3 Ways To Help Your Toddler Listen And Obey

by Joann Dunn

It is not uncommon for a two year old to tell his or her parent "no" because they do not want to do something. One of the challenges of parenting a toddler is learning how to get them to listen and obey. Here are 3 things you can try to improve your child's obedience.

Consistency

First, consistency is really important. If you have a child who comes into your room in the middle of the night often to get into your bed and you do not want this to happen, then consistency is key.

If you let your child get in bed with you even a few times, he or she will come to expect it. When you then start the process of making your toddler get back in his or her own bed, your child may scream, cry, or get out of bed again because they think you will give in.

This rule applies with teaching your child to eat, bathe, clean up, and get ready for bed too. You have to be consistent and follow through no matter how hard the day or night might seem at the time. Your child will eventually learn that you are in charge, and your toddler cannot push you around.

Rewards

Second, consider incorporating a reward system so that your child is more prone to doing certain activities. This is particularly useful for things like going to the restroom while potty training or getting your child to clean up the mess he or she has made.

There is one important thing you need to know about doing rewards though. Start out by doing rewards, but teach your child that rewards will not be given every time because he or she will come to expect it. Slowly taper off the rewards once your toddler has the idea behind what you are trying to teach until you no longer need to give them anymore. 

Otherwise, a reward will be an expectation from your toddler, and he or she may not be as obedient without the reward.

Discipline

Lastly, choose wisely how you decide to discipline your child. If you really want your child to hear you when he or she is being naughty, then make sure that you do not yell or get angry. Children tend to tune parents out when yelling and anger is involved, and they may not really hear anything you are saying.

Instead, try putting your child in time out and then talk to him or her about the behavior. You can also use a calming jar that is full of colored sparkles to help them sit through time out. All you have to do is mix water and sparkles in a jar with a lid, and then shake the jar up so that the sparkles float around.

When the sparkles settle, your child can come out of time out and should be much calmer. Just remember that you need to be rational and calm even when your child is not.

By doing these 3 things, you can improve your child's obedience and willingness to listen, so apply all of these tips consistently. Contact Associated Psychologists & Counselors for more information.


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About Me

Pregnant? What You Need to Know About Your Pregnancy

During my first pregnancy, I spent a lot of time pushing pillows behind my back trying to find comfort. As the size of the baby grew, so did my discomfort. By the time she was born, I was more than ready to give birth. When I found out I was pregnant again, I was determined that I would not suffer through the same discomforts. I started researching ways to ease the symptoms of pregnancy, including back pain. I created this blog to help other expectant moms find remedies to deal with those symptoms that can be emotionally and physically draining.

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