#315: Discipline Tools Not Working with Strong-Willed Toddler (re-run)
Nov 24, 2022
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This podcast episode discusses the challenges of disciplining strong-willed toddlers, including their resourcefulness and refusal to follow rules. It offers tools like offering choices and implementing 'one, two, three magic' to address these behaviors. The importance of setting boundaries and supporting children's emotions is emphasized. It also provides tips for navigating mealtime boundaries and addressing challenges with grandparents' rules.
Parents should allow children to have their feelings and teach them how to work through them in appropriate ways.
Using the One, Two, Three Magic discipline tool helps toddlers understand that boundaries are non-negotiable with repetition and consistent follow-through.
Deep dives
Responsibility to Children's Emotions
Parents are responsible for being careful, kind, and loving with their children's emotions. However, they are not responsible for their children's emotional reactions. It is important to allow children to have their feelings and teach them how to work through them in appropriate ways.
Effectiveness of One, Two, Three Magic
One, Two, Three Magic is a discipline tool that requires setting boundaries and following through consistently. Compliance from toddlers may not occur immediately, but with repetition and consistent follow-through, they begin to understand that boundaries are non-negotiable. It is important to count slowly and give toddlers time to think and make a choice before reaching three.
Dealing with Challenging Behaviors
When faced with challenging behaviors, such as refusing to eat in a high chair or running around after bath time, it is essential to be prepared and ready to establish boundaries. This can involve physically guiding the child, closing doors or standing in doorways to prevent escape, and verbalizing the expectations. It is crucial to provide alternatives or choices, set clear rules, and be consistent in enforcing them.
Toddlers can be so incredibly resourceful and shrewd, which is great when it comes to problem-solving but maddening for a parent trying to set boundaries and expectations. What do you do when discipline tools don't work? During this holiday week, we're bringing back the most downloaded episode of all time, where Erin gives the steps and tools to plug the loopholes, even with the most persistent and resourceful of toddlers!