When Toddlers Understand Action and Consequences
In this Article
As toddlers grow up, they might break a few rules and behave inappropriately at times. However, making them understand the relationship between actions and consequences can help curb negative behavior. Stay true to your word and your toddler will fall in line.
You’ve put down some rules for your toddler and want him to follow them diligently. Kudos! This is definitely the right way to teach positive behaviour. But what if he breaks a rule, knowingly or unknowingly?
Consequences for Toddlers – What This Means
When your child breaks a rule or behaves badly, he needs to be admonished and punished for it. This is known as a consequence. Using consequences for behaviour management is extremely important. It’s the only way to instigate positive behaviour in your child.
List of Consequences for Children
1. Positive Consequence
If your child behaves well, it’s important that you praise him and let him know that it’s appreciated. This is when your toddler receives a positive consequence. It can be extremely beneficial in teaching good manners to tots, so don’t skimp on rewarding your child for good behaviour. A word of love or a kiss will suffice.
2. Negative Consequence
Sometimes, when your toddler has committed a mistake and has been punished for it he might remember the consequence. It may compel him not to behave in a similar way next time, which means your toddler avoids a negative consequence. Whenever you see him doing this, make sure that you praise him and convert it into a positive consequence.
3. Negative Consequence Turned to No Consequence
There will be times when you punish your toddler for bad behaviour by giving him a time-out. This is a negative consequence. However, if the time-out happens to be standing or sitting in a place that he enjoys, it won’t seem like a punishment and will work against toddler behaviour management. Instead, he may deem it a blessing in disguise and engage in the behaviour again.
Defining Appropriate Consequences for Toddlers
1. Give a Clear Picture
Just defining the rules and consequences may not be enough. Make sure that your little darling understands them properly. It’s also important that you lay down the consequences along with the rules so that he knows what to expect. However, if the rules are followed diligently, don’t forget to reward your child for good behaviour.
2. Keep It Short
Long drawn-out punishments don’t work. They only upset kids and don’t accomplish the goal. The consequence for young children should be short and to the point. Give your little one a second chance after some time. If you call a time-out for fighting, let it be only for about 15 minutes.
3. Stay True to Your Word
Just spelling out the consequences may not be enough. It’s important that you stick to them as well. It’s the only way your toddler will realise you mean business. Since consequences play an important role in toddler behaviour management, not acting at the right time may lead him to repeat his mistakes.
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