By the time Benjamin was around two years old, I had a feeling he was going to be what some label as a “strong-willed child.” Now, in all of his three-year-old glory, I’m not sure he’s as much strong-willed as he is what I think of as a “live wire”: full of energy, in constant motion, and requiring careful but firm action to get him to slow down.
In short, he drives me crazy half the day.
However, after several months of experimenting with various discipline methods, I have found several child discipline techniques that help our home to stay relatively peaceful. So following are five ways to discipline a “live wire” child, particularly toddlers and preschoolers.
1. Set and maintain firm boundaries.
No matter how well-behaved and “nice” you think your child is, if you give him an inch, he will take a mile. Take it from a former schoolteacher. Not letting your child do something one day, then changing your mind the next simply because you’re too tired or busy to “deal with it” is a recipe for chaos. Draw the boundary lines, then consistently make sure your child does not cross those lines. Remind your little one not to cross the line. And if he does, be sure to issue appropriate consequences.
2. Involve him in your activity.
If I can find ways for Benjamin to “help”–or even just watch–me as I carry out various tasks, he is a lot less likely to get into trouble. At the same time, he is learning important life skills, such as loading the dishwasher and making nut butter in the food processor.
3. Involve yourself in her activity.
Is your young one the only one at home with you? She will be much more productive–and much less destructive–during her play time if you spend a few minutes several times a day getting at her level and playing with her.
4. Use Love And Logic statements.
I’m finding this works a lot better at three than two, since a three-year-old brain is more capable of making decisions. Examples of such statements include, “You can not throw your blocks downstairs, or you can go to your room and not throw blocks.” Or, “You can throw your teddy bear over the couch or down the stairs. You may not throw him in the sink.”
5. Get her outside as much as possible.
My son lives to go outside. He must have some space and time to run wild every day. If you think the weather is too harsh for outdoor play, push furniture against the wall and play a vigorous game of chase or soccer (with a soft ball, of course!) with your child for a while. By the way, this has a nice side benefit of assuring that your child will be more ready to go to bed at bedtime!
I’ve found these discipline tips very helpful–if you have an active young one, I hope you do, too!
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