8 Powerful ways to discipline your children while they are young enough to learn:
Now that the weather is finally warming up, I’ve been thinking a lot about how we set boundaries for our kids while they’re still little and soaking everything in. I know it can feel tough to stick to rules sometimes, but honestly, having those clear expectations is just as important for our kids as it is for us.
When our kids know what’s expected, it gives them a sense of security and helps them feel safe at home. I’ve found that being consistent with the rules (even when it’s hard!) really does make a difference. It’s not always easy, but it’s so worth it in the long run.
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends setting clear and consistent rules that children can understand, which helps them feel safer and know what to expect at home.
Discipline Your Children While They Are Young Enough to Learn
1) Start Small With The Rules:
When it comes to setting rules, I’ve found that keeping things simple really helps. If you start with just a few clear rules, it’s so much easier for your little one to remember and actually follow them.
For example, you could say: ”Give me your hand when we cross the street.”
And: ”Please, share your toys with your sister because sharing is caring.”
Even little ones as young as two can start to understand rules, as long as we keep our words simple and easy for them to get. Sometimes I just say it the way I’d want someone to explain it to me if I was learning something new.
2) Consistency is key:
Honestly, I’ve totally been there, like trying to keep things consistent with my kids and feeling like it’s just a big, beautiful mess most days. What’s helped me is actually grabbing a notebook and jotting down the rules I want to stick with. If I don’t write them down, I end up changing things depending on how tired or stressed I am, and my kids just get confused. So, having those rules on paper is a little sanity-saver for both them and me.
3) Discuss it:
Have an open discussion with your partner. ( The other parent) It’s essential to start here early, too. If, for example, you’ve hidden candies and chocolates, but the other parent gives in every time your little one wants to eat them, you’ll see that by the age of 3-4, he’ll know which parent is more inclined to give them to him.
4) Be less rigid:
If we say no to our kids all the time, it can start to feel like we’re putting them in a little box. Remember, the goal isn’t to have a perfect child. They’re still learning, just like we are, and that’s totally okay.
If you need help with discipline, here’s an article I wrote about it: How to apply positive child discipline methods
5) Encourage and give them praise:
Let him know how proud you are when he listens. Seriously, a little positive feedback goes such a long way. I know it can feel silly to cheer for the small stuff, but honestly, when our kids see that we notice their good choices, it lights them up inside. It helps them feel confident and keeps them wanting to do more of the good stuff.
6) Cultivate patience with your children:
Let’s be real, none of us are perfect parents. Some days you’re running on empty, feeling totally overwhelmed, and wondering if you’re even doing this right. That’s just part of the job. We all lose our patience sometimes, but I’ve learned that our kids listen so much better when they feel safe and loved. Yelling or using threats might get their attention for a minute, but it doesn’t build the kind of respect we really want. Instead, I try to remember what it’s like to be little and have big feelings. A little compassion goes a long way for them and for us.
7) Don’t forget the fun!
One of the best ways for a child to listen to his parent is when he’s in a good mood. Unfortunately, when a child is in crisis, it’s not a good time to set rules. You create that moment of connection with them by going to the park, going on outings, or playing with your little one. A child in a good mood is more likely to listen, especially when his parent gives him attention.
8) You’re Their Role Model:
The other day, I spotted a plastic ruler just lying in the street and, without thinking, bent down to pick it up. Of course, my 4-year-old was right there watching me. He looked at me with those big eyes and said, “Mommy, why are you picking that up? You always tell me not to touch things on the ground because they’re dirty.” And honestly, he was totally right. I just laughed and said, “Good point, buddy,” and put the ruler right back where I found it. Our kids are always watching us, aren’t they? Sometimes they catch us in our own little rule-breaking moments, and it’s a good reminder that we’re all just figuring it out as we go.
This post was all about my 8 tips to discipline your children while they are young enough to learn!
-With Love, Sarah
