The ABC Of Understanding Toddler Behavior
Dr Maud Meates-Dennis
This article provides useful information on the principles of toddler discipline and child behavior management ...
Toddler behavior can be challenging. They don't call it the terrible two's for nothing. It's important as a parent to remember that this is a normal part of child development. From about 18 months of age, a child wants to have his/her whole world at his/her feet. That is normal. It is also normal that you, the parent, will want to teach your child that he/she belongs to a family and he/she has to fit in. From a management point of view, the principles of toddler discipline and child behavior management are:
- give positive reinforcement for behaviors you want
- ignore behaviors you don't want
- use time-out for "out-of-control" behavior
I often find that parents know the principles but still can't figure out how to change their toddler's behavior. Sometimes, you are just too close to see what is happening.
Using the ABC of Understanding Toddler Behavior you will be able to understand what is really going on for your child and then you will be able to implement the strategies above successfully.
A is for Antecedents - you need to ask yourself "what happens before the behavior?" so, for example, for understanding tantrums what happens before the tantrum.
B is for Behavior - you need to be clear what behavior you are looking at. If your child has a few behaviors you don't want, pick one behavior you want to change and start with that.
C is for Consequence - what happens once the behavior starts. What do you do? What's in it for the child. Usually, the answer will be attention of some kind.
Now, you're armed with all you need. You know what brings the behavior on and what the "reward" for the behavior is. To change the behavior, simply do not reward it in the way you have. Best to try and ignore the behavior.
Further information on dealing with toddler behavior is given at Baby Medical Questions and Answers.
Next article: Too Much TV For Your Toddler
Featured Toddlers Product:
|

|
Potty Train Your Toddler In 1 To 3 Days |
| Learn how to solve the potty training mystery within 72 hours and set your toddler diaper free forever! Click here for more details ... |
More Articles About Toddlers ...
Toddlers And The Age Of Innocence
Every generation has their share of challenges, each generation believing they had it worse than the one coming after. The snow was deeper and the hikes to and from school longer (uphill both ways, mind...
Cribs For A Versatile Nursery For A New Born Baby
A new born baby doesn't require much except a comfortable, quiet and safe place to sleep. Therefore the type of furniture you choose and the location needs to be safe and practical. Shopping for a crib...
Choosing Suitable Clothing For Young Children
Clothing Toddlers
Infants are very susceptible to the impressions of cold; a proper regard, therefore, to a suitable clothing of the body, is imperative to their enjoyment of health. Unfortunately,...
Dr Maud is a pediatrician who provides up-to-date health information and practical medical advice for parents of infants and toddlers on her site Baby Medical Questions and Answers

For more information about Toddlers-related resources, see our Toddlers resources section, subscribe to our Toddlers Newsletter containing news, updates and insider tips, or go to more articles about Toddler Behavior.
Related Topics ...
Search for more information on "toddler behavior" below:
You are here: Home » toddlers » The ABC Of Understanding Toddler Behavior |
|
|
|
Get Regular Toddlers News And Insider Tips

Receive free practical Toddlers tips delivered to your email box with contributions from child product reviewers, child education writers, child behavior experts and parenting services professionals. Also receive access to valuable free resources as our gift to you.
Email Instructions:
Fill-in your First Name and primary Email below to claim your FREE gifts and stay up-to-date with the latest exciting news and information on Toddlers!
Your privacy always comes first and your email address is never shared with anyone ever.
|
|
Toddlers Facts & Tips
Only a foolish and cynical adult would carelessly shrug and say, "That's just how it will be for them, too." We hope our children will inherit a better world, but we know they probably won't. As they gracefully surrender the innocence of youth, they inherit the wisdom of the years. If our toddlers can do this without becoming jaded, angry and bitter, then this is wisdom indeed. In the end, perhaps they are still innocent.
|
|

Toddlers Resources:
Potty Train Your Toddler In 1 To 3 Days
Parenting - Recommended Toddler Resource
Potty Train Your Toddler In 1 To 3 Days
This is an extremely practical and useful resource for parents who are feeling frustrated and stressed by the challenges...
|
| Toddlers Directory
Toddlers Videos
Parenting Articles
Toddler Articles
Childcare (Home)
Toddler Resources
Related Topics

More Links
toddler safety costume halloween toddler potty training toddler traveling with toddler toddler nutrition
|
|