1. Physical Boundaries
Toddlers need to have tangible boundaries set for their physical movement. This is a great way to minimize intellectual boundaries. For instance, toddlers have to know that they can get burned if they touch a stove, or they can get run over by a car if they go outside the fence. Similar to how we teach babies not to run off the top steps or they will fall, toddlers have to know their physical limits as well or they could get seriously injured or hurt. Toddlers will normally give you an indication when they want to push the boundary. They do this because of curiosity. If you constantly reject their need to explore, they will likely develop resentment toward you, but if you talk to them about new limits and explain the reasons why they have those limits, they are likely to settle down and accept this. Be sure to provide fun, stimulating activities for their room, playpen or wherever they are confined.
2. Behavioral Boundaries
Behavioral boundaries must be set with toddlers too. This is going to teach them how to behave and function in society one day. You have to remember that you don’t want to instill a fear of uniqueness or eccentricity, and you should always encourage your children to be different and question societal norms. But, you also want to make sure you’re preparing them for the real world. This doesn’t mean that you let them do what they want, but you have to let your toddler know that the consequences are for their actions and that you will follow through.
3. Time Out
One of the most effective disciplines for toddlers that also set boundaries is a time out. Time outs should be limited to one minute for each year of age. Because they are so small, you have to stop what you are doing and stand over them. but with your back to them, so they cannot see your facial language (unless you have a really grumpy face). When their time out is over, explain to them again what they did wrong and why they are in time out. Discipline like this has to occur at the time of their wronged action, not later. Constantly remind your toddler of the acceptable rules and consequences.
4. Provide Structure
Set up boundaries for toddlers that encourage exploration and simultaneously avoid the word “no.” For instance, when your toddler is in the stages of grabbing things, put things out of their reach that can hurt them, such as a hot coffee cup. That way, you’ll never have to say “No, don’t grab that.” Just don’t let it be an option. When the child reaches the curiosity stage of wanting to lift the toilet lid bowl, put a latch on it or lock the door. Take the “no” out of the routine, and they won’t feel jilted.
Toddlers need to explore and learn about their world. Our job as parents is to help them explore it safely and not get hurt. We can do this by teaching them boundaries, but keeping mind that they must still be free spirits. Hopefully these tips help you, they definitely helped me!
Thank you, Josh Anderson for connecting Chelsea Pearson and Subho's Jejune Diet. Chelsea is a blogger who writes about finance.