How to Discipline Your Toddler and Empower Them

Morgen and Trisha are finding themselves in a state of toddlerhood exhaustion, as they call it. Charlie and Remi are nonstop, and although this episode is about discipline, they realize it's more about communication. 

As the girls grow and develop more, Morgen and Trisha are discovering that how they communicate with Charlie and Remi can make all the difference. It takes a healthy dose of patience and practice, but it yields results that make everyone happy... usually. Haha!

Trisha has found it helpful to physically removing Remi from a situation when she is having a tantrum or meltdown. She gets down to her level to look her in the eyes, discusses what has happened and what Remi is feeling. It has helped a lot in stopping the tantrum or meltdown from escalating. 

Morgen is excellent at allowing Charlie to express herself but is teaching Charlie how to navigate her negative feelings. Another thing Morgen is trying to avoid is using 'No' and 'don't' and rewording what she would like Charlie to do with a more precise and positive spin. For example, "Charlie, don't spit your water" to "Charlie, water is for drinking, please keep it in your mouth." Now don't get the wrong idea, 'no' and 'don't' has by no means been eliminated from their vocabulary. Reminder: we are dealing with toddlers here!

Morgen and Trisha agree that at the heart of it all, repetition and consistency are essential... hence the exhaustion. They also feel that giving the girls choices allows them to feel empowered and involved in the process. They can exercise their newfound independence and have a sense of pride once they have chosen and accomplished particular tasks. 

On a real note, this has been a lot of trial and error. Morgen and Trisha are not perfect by any stretch of the imagination, nor do they claim to know it all. This is just a way for them to share with one another what has worked, what hasn't worked, and what new approaches they are trying. 

So to all the mama's, papa's and caregivers of toddlers out there, you're doing great! Please do share your tricks, tips, and stories with us because we value your life experiences and learnings along the way! Thanks! momjeansandminivans@yahoo.com

Ciao!

 

Links:

 

5 Reasons to Stop Saying Good Job:

Five Reasons to Stop Saying "Good Job!" (**) - Alfie Kohn