Toddler Discipline -
Setting Boundaries God's Way

Toddler discipline, during the toddler years or the terrible twos, becomes pretty mandatory.

It's during this time that your toddler may start...

~ Spilling things,

~ Throwing food on the floor at meals,

~ Throwing toys during play time,

~ Throwing tantrums while shopping,

~ Kicking, biting, hitting, pinching,

~ And, generally testing you at every turn.

Yes, this can be embarrassing. But, be ready for it!



I like this quote from Pastor Craig Caster of Family Discipleship Ministries:

"Parents must try to keep a sense of humor in order to keep from loosing their mind! It is very important during this time to begin to establish your authority and begin to instill boundaries. Toddlers will test and challenge parental authority daily - so don't panic or 'freak out!'"

Let's look at some specific ways to approach toddler discipline. But first...

Remember

~ Love them the way God calls us to love them.

~ Disciple them so they can learn how to come to Him, abide in Him, and obey His commands.

~ Our goals are to help them build: morals and values, personal responsibility, and self-control.

~ And, our 4 training tools are:

1. written rules

2. Predetermined discipline

3. Punishment (the motivator) if discipline is refused

4. Be consistent - follow through.

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Click here for the page on "Christian Discipline Foundations"
if you missed it.

Click here for the page on "Christian Discipline Goals and Tools"
if you missed it.

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These discipline methods are from a video series featuring Pastor Craig Castor of Family Discipleship Ministries.

I am going to share a few of his ideas, because they are really great! If you like what you read, please check out his website.

Toddler Discipline - Some Important Points to Practice

~ Love them - don't yell or get angry.

~ Stay calm - if you loose control, you will loose credibility.

~ Teach them to obey and respect authority.

~ Be consistent.

~ In all possible situations, kid-proof your home to remove the temptations.

Examples of Rules and Toddler Disciplines

Rule 1: Respect parents.
Discipline: Time Out (sit in a chair, not a corner).

The amount of time spent in time out should be equivalent to the child's age. For example, a three-year-old sits for three minutes. Explain to them that their bottom stays in the chair, no scooting. If they get out, they are asking for the "motivator" - a spanking. See Principles for the Use of Spanking.

Rule 2: Bedtime (in their own bed).
Discipline: spanking (no yelling).

If kids have a hard time going to bed - set the timer for 5 minute intervals, and be consistent. Also, cover your bases - have water, a nightlight, and the door open (optional) and pray with them.

Rule 3: Pick Up Your Toys (Mom is not a maid!).
Discipline: Take toys away for one or two days. Put in a brown paper bag out of reach.

Rule 4: Obey Parents ("No" means No).
Discipline: Time out.

Positive Reinforcement

~ Love is the most powerful motivator and the most powerful way to build self-worth, not gifts or gimmicks.

~ On the Christian Discipline Foundations Page - we learned we are to praise them because they are a gift from God. Practice this daily.

~ Good behavior is expected, not rewarded. Our love toward them and ow we show it should not change because of their failures.

"The parents' attitude toward their children's failures should be similar to when they first began to walk. As proud parents, we helped them, cheered them on, picked them up when they fell, and encouraged them to keep trying...confident that in time they would develop, mature and learn to walk on their own."

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Now, make your own list of rules and disciplines, and be consistent!

It can be difficult to start a toddler discipline routine...but it can be done. And, you will be setting a strong foundation for successful discipline as your child grows.

For more information on Pastor Craig Caster, and Family Discipleship Ministries, click here.

God bless!

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