Smacking is not an option

Parents love their kids – when they listen. But there are moments they’ll dislike their toddler.

At this stage, children are discovering their curiosity is limited by rules. They cannot just run off and play with the contents of the bin because they feel like it. They also cannot run about the street and do as they please. This frustrates them.

They start learning how to say “no” – and they mean it. They also do everything that they know presses parents’ buttons.

Disciplining a toddler is all about setting boundaries and limiting their curiosity.

Smacking them is not an option unless you fancy your day in court or a cell.

According to Children’s Health, rules have to be set early, and consistently.

It is confusing if one day children are allowed to hit you and then the next day they can’t.

If you believe it is never okay to hit people, then be clear that it is never okay.

When your kids try to engage in something that will endanger them, distract instead of shout. Healthline recommends you firmly tell them “no”, then call their name.

“Once they’re fixated on you, call them over and show them something they’ll like that is safe.”

Kids love exploring this new big world. Sometimes parents limit everything and it frustrates them. So instead, help your child explore. Rather than stopping them every time they touch things Healthline suggests you “help them figure out what is safe and not safe to touch”.

Try “no touch” for objects off limits or unsafe, “soft touch” for faces and animals and “yes touch” for safe items. And have fun thinking of other word associations, like “hot touch”, “cold touch” or “owie touch” to help tame your little one’s roaming fingers”.

Disciplining a curious human being requires parents to understand their curiosity, but still set boundaries.

They will get on your last nerve, but remember, they are exploring, but also enjoy seeing you frustrated.

So handling things calmly will benefit both you and your toddler.