Parenting Toddlers: How to Discipline a Toddler 101

Babies are sweet and innocent. They do not misbehave in any way. A baby cannot be labeled good or bad for their actions. A baby is just a baby! However, around age three things begin to change. Baby is no longer a baby but rather a rambunctious toddler. Once baby becomes a toddler it's time for them to learn rules for their own safety. Rules are meant to keep children safe.

Toddlers especially need rules enforced for their safety because they are not capable of keeping themselves safe. A three year old is curious and wants to explore. Yet some things are not safe to explore, like the kitchen stove, for example. AT about age three discipline can begin to be used. Three year olds are capable of making choices. They are capable of refusing to listen. They are even capable of telling you "NO!". This is the time when discipline can not only be used, but, NEEDS to be used.

Let me tell you about my baby...well...actually he'll be three in just a few weeks but I call him my BABY because he's our last one:) In all actuality he is a very intelligent little big kid. He is a full blown toddler. He began needing discipline a few months ago. Let me explain to you why.

First of all he did find himself curious about the kitchen stove. He see's me and his father preparing meals and he wanted to try it too. Toddlers watch us do things and they absorb what they see. My little one also wanted to wash the dishes and became fascinated by the vacuum cleaner. He learned to open the front door and the refrigerator door too. I'm still not sure which is worse! He learned to do so many things so quickly! That's how it happens. Near age three they will ALL do that. Those little toddlers are SO smart. Too smart for their own good, or safety.