This little guy has been naughty.
(I know hard to believe with such an adorable sweet face, right?)
Terrible “2″‘s come early in my family. Grady will be two May 3rd.
The wonderful people over at babycenter.com must have known I needed some advice. They sent me an email with “positive” ways I can teach my kids “right from wrong”. Here are the tips they give. Good luck, Bella Moms!
What you can do
Among the “positive” approaches that often work with toddlers:
• Do as I do. Children imitate adults, so if you show good behavior, your child will take your lead. If you want him to say “please” and “thank you,” be sure to use those terms with him and others.
• Speak respectfully. Your child is more likely to listen if you talk, rather than yell, and if you make eye contact with him. (I love this. How simple, get down on their level eye to eye and talk to them. Hmmm, I wonder why this works? Makes sense doesn’t it?)
• Tell him what you want rather than what you don’t. For instance, say “Touch the kitty gently,” instead of “Don’t hit the kitty!” Or, “Please sit down,” instead of “Don’t stand up in your chair.” (Or “Let’s not throw dirt in each others faces” instead of yelling “STOP throwing dirt in your brothers eyes. Unfortunately, this is what I have to deal with on a daily basis.)
• Make some simple rules. Establish a few household rules, communicate them to your child, and enforce them consistently. Don’t expect your toddler to know better. Simple rules that protect health and safety, such as no running in the street and no hitting, are reasonable for toddlers to follow. Don’t give him a long list of “don’t touches.” You’re better off keeping things like the VCR and your fine crystal out of his reach.
• Reward the positive. Positive behavior will continue and even increase if your child gets attention for it. “Thanks for sharing that toy with your sister,” is one example, or “Wow, you put your cup on the table.”
Anyone have tips on how to teach a 2 year old (or 4 year old) right from wrong while using “positive” approaches? It’s harder than it sounds isn’t it?
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You are so funny! This too shall pass. I have two boys and a girl and your advice is so good I wish I had done more of that when they were that age. Our way of parenting basically surmounts to bribery and threats. I know its wrong, but the threats about sending my daughter to a Swiss Convent when she was 11 did work somewhat. To date, my teens are really good kids, love their home, hang out with us (that shocks us, too) and are very involved in their own sports, friends and good activities. They are so far from perfect (like can you open up a book sometime this year) but all the good work you are doing now is SO DEFINITELY going to pay off later. This is the foundation.
My personal favorite is threatening that if they are naughty they have to get shots.
Love the post James.
Love the comment Keighley. LOL.