Positive discipline is not about punishment, rather, it is about helping your child understand how to fit into the world in a thoughtful, healthy, and productive way.

Here are some tips on how to promote positive behavior.

Talk With Your Toddler

• Get your toddler’s attention and make eye contact before you speak.
• Use a gentle touch.
• Keep your words clear, simple and direct. Saying, “Please put that down” is more direct than, “Cut it out.”
• Make only one request at a time. Your toddler cannot react to two or three requests at the same time.
• Use positive communication. Try to tell your toddler what to do instead of what not to do. Saying, “Please ride on the sidewalk ” is more positive than, “Don’t ride on the street.”
• For every “No,” try to offer two reasonable choices. “No, that paper is for Daddy. But you can play with this book or this toy.”
• Use “please” and “thank you” whenever you can.

Provide a Safe and Stimulating Environment

• Supervise your toddler.
• Childproof your home.
• Provide a range of interesting toys and activities.

Keep Routines

• Organize your day around regular naps and mealtimes.
• Keep to bedtime routines.
• Balance active and quiet times.
• Tell your toddler about any changes in routine that will be happening.
• Pay attention to your toddler, even if you’re busy.

Set Good Examples

• Be calm and patient.
• Model the behavior you want to see in your toddler (such as sharing or taking turns).
• Gently remind your toddler about limits – he has a short attention span and can quickly forget what you’ve said.
• Avoid reacting in angry or defensive ways.

Praise Good Behavior

• “Catch” your toddler behaving well and tell her right away: “I really like the way you are playing gently with your sister.”
• Tell your toddler what you like about her behavior. (Examples: “Thank you for using your quiet voice at Grandma’s house,” or “I really like that you are holding my hand while we cross the street.”)

Focus on Cooperation, Not Control

• Offer appropriate choices, usually no more than two.
• Show your toddler how to cooperate: “I will read you a story after you’ve picked up the blocks.”
• Talk about conflicts: “I can see that you are angry at Tim for taking the ball.”
• Offer solutions to conflict: “Maybe you can let Tim have a turn and then he’ll give you a turn.”

SHIJINA RIJESH