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I asked the question on insta-stories a few days ago because honestly, I need all the help I can get with this sassy toddler of mine π HA! Seriously though, she just really loves the word “no” and basically doesn’t care if I say she has to go in time out or that I’m going take away a barbie or whatever. Literally, zero craps given so I’m at a loss and reached out to all of you only to find out I’M NOT THE ONLY ONE! HOLLA! Seriously though, it was so nice knowing it’s not just me. Anyways, well many of you asked me to share the tips and tricks I was given, so here I am. Now these are not my ideas so don’t let me fool you – they’re just some of the ones that were suggested to me by all of you! SO hopefully one works for you, we are trying a couple this week so cross your fingers for me and I’ll do the same for you π
- Open communication: Rather than getting frustrated (which I know is so friggin’ hard to do) calmly talk to your babe. Ask why they’re acting that way and let them know how you’re feeling, how it makes you feel when they act that way or when they hit you or what not. Get on their level and have a conversation with them about it over immediately saying “go to time out” or what not.
- Time outs: Set a spot for this and keep it consistent. One minute for whatever age they are, so if they’re two – two minutes in time out and sit there with them if you have to in order for them to stay in the spot!
- Lots and lots of book recommendations so here’s links to the majority of the ones that were recommended:Β
- Consistency: obviously this is key, but even for myself I was finding that I would say one thing and then she would act like she didn’t care so I didn’t even bother. BUT as this Mama pointed out, consistency is key and even if they act like it doesn’t bother them, it most likely does. Also – if they really don’t care, keep working (and staying consistent with each) to find what does. There’s got to be something out there that will get to them and help them!
- Emphasize positive behavior. We are all about the “punishing” if you will and letting them know what they’ve done wrong and that we don’t act like that. But taking a step back and really celebrating the good so that they can see that rewards and fun come with good behavior.
- Being relatable. If your little is throwing a fit – let them know, hey guess what? Sometimes I am having a bad day too and I just need to go in my room for a few minutes to calm down, maybe you should try that, etc. Just really getting on their level and talking to them almost as an adult to just let them know, it’s normal what you’re feeling but here, let’s handle it like this instead. *love this one*
- Use words like “Happy choices” and “sad choices” rather than a lot of disciplining.
- Find the cause of it. For me, a reader pointed out that when we moved in with my parents is when she really started acting out. So maybe there’s a cause for the way they’re being? Because really, they’re little but they feel the stress, anxieties and everything else that we do too!
- Have your husband (or whoever they really listen to) show how much they love you. For example, Blake listens really well to Marcus and looks up to him. SO we started having him really emphasize his excited to hang out with me, sit by me, whatever! So she could see that it’s fun. As well as him over emphasizing, look I’m talking to Mommy and listening, etc. This has actually been really good and we just started it a couple of days ago.
- Let them pick their own punishment. If your little one is strong willed and independent, give them a few options and let them choose which one they want, then they feel like they’re in control but are also still seeing the consequences of their actions.
- Reward jar or sticker chart. There are a ton out there, so you’ll just have to find the best one that works with you and your child.
There were so many more, but these were all along the lines of them! So if you have something else that works for you and your family, drop it in the comments below so we can keep things up to date and ideas rolling in π
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