Raising toddlers and finding the right way to discipline them is by no means easy
They’re at the age where tantrums are common, as they’re still trying to find a way to express their emotions. But how do we discipline in a way that makes them understand right from wrong?
According to Dr. Mona, a paediatrician who makes informative videos on TikTok, discipline “starts as young as nine months old.”
Her video was in response to another parent, who put her hysterical toddler in the corner after he hit her. The child could be seen crying and yelling.
Dr. Mona speaks about the importance of setting boundaries with children and explaining the situation. She says that even if the hitting is playful, it’s important that a boundary is set.
“People think discipline means punishment…to me discipline is consistent and safe boundaries.
“Toddler babies at this age are in a cause and effect stage, where they’re looking at reactions and patterns to their actions, and what you’re going to do,” she says.
In the video, she explains that if your toddler hits you, it’s important to stay calm.
“With hitting at this age, don’t have a big reaction. The toddler brain at this age does not differentiate between good attention and bad attention.”
She explains that if they hit you and you have a big negative reaction, they will continue to do it purely because they got a reaction out of you.
Like in the other video, the child was crying because he was being punished for something and he didn’t understand.
She recommends to tell them that hitting is bad and not allowed, but keeping your tone even. If they continue to do the action, keep explaining and follow through to reaffirm the boundary.
Obviously if an older toddler is repeatedly exhibiting bad behaviour, then it should have consequences. However, going straight to punishment before they understand why their action was wrong is counterproductive, according to Dr. Mona.
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