Non-violent Discipline Methods for Toddlers

The Terrible Twos can get to any parent. With incessant whining, hitting and massive tantrums, your toddler tries to get his own way by manipulating you. While giving him a swat on the bottom might be tempting at times, it isn't recommended. Instead, why not try one of these non-violent techniques to help your little one behave?

Time outs can be very effective at this age. Instead of rewarding the child's behavior with attention (albeit negative), you remove him from the center of attention. This might mean putting him in his room for a few minutes or just leaving the room yourself. Experts recommend that a time out last one minute per year of age. So if your two year old is acting up, he should be given a two minute time out.

Without an audience, most toddlers will lose interest in their tantrum, which is why time outs are helpful. They are also good for removing the child from the source of frustration, whether that is a candy that he can't have or a toy that won't work. While he is out of the room, remove the source of frustration. Once the time out is over, you can hug your little one and let him know that you are happy to spend time with him, but that he needs to stay calm.

If you have a violent toddler, one who tends to strike out and hit or bite when he is angry, there is another technique that you could use. Simply get up and walk away, saying "I don't want to play with you anymore. You're hurting me." Whatever you do, don't hit back or return the gesture. This only enforces that it is ok to be violent, which is the opposite of what you want.

Rewarding good behavior is perhaps the best way to deal with a tempestuous toddler. This can work extremely well if you have more than one child. When your toddler is throwing a tantrum and demanding something, simply turn to your other child and begin to read her a story or do something with her, ignoring the tantrum. Most of the time, your toddler will leave off his behavior and come join you. Welcome him with open arms and an "I'm so glad you decided to stop screaming and play with us!"