Adventures in Parenting

This is the third article in the series on discipline. This one deals with younger children. Disciplining older children will be the topic of the next article in this series.

In approaching the subject of discipline, our idea is to think of what to do when a child misbehaves.

But the best defense is a good offense. If bad behavior can often be anticipated and averted, wouldn’t that be better than dealing with it after it happens?

If you are going shopping at the mall with a 2-year-old, you can bet that a tantrum is waiting to happen if you go near a toy store. Instead of wondering how to “discipline” the 2-year-old when it happens, wouldn’t it be better to avoid the whole situation? Wouldn’t it be fair to the child to not aggravate him into bad behavior?

When we put our children into situations that are tempting, and we expect them to obey our “NO” command, it’s like taking you to a chocolate cookie factory when you are on a diet. You’d be off your diet in less than a second, no matter how “good” you are, right?

Discipline begins with avoiding such situations as much as possible. If you absolutely can not avoid it, then you can bring weapons that will head off some of the problems.

Here are some must-haves in your bulging diaper bag:

1. A toy that you bring from home that your child has not seen before. Keep a couple of toys you bought on sale or the Dollar Store to give as a treat. Instead of buying an expensive one when passing a toy store, whip this one out as if you just bought it!

2. Plenty of food and drinks. A hungry and thirsty child is a problem child.

3. A timer, the old fashion kitchen kind with the ticking sound. It’s great for everything! “I’m going to set the timer for 5 minutes. When the bell rings, we will have to leave the park.”

4. Favorite cuddly toy. When your child gets tired, he needs something comforting to soothe him.

5. Playdough. Keeps hands and imagination busy. It’s easy to carry around, and cheap enough not to cry over if you lose it.

Here are ways to plan ahead to avoid facing explosive situations:

1. Never try to do something in a hurry with a child. It is a huge mistake to “quickly run some errands.” He will always slow you down, you will get mad, and he will have a fit.

2. Never expect him to enjoy an adult situation with you. If you have to shop for a dress, visit a friend who does not have a kid-friendly house, or have lunch at a fancy restaurant with a friend, it is better to leave your child with a babysitter.

3. Never go out near nap time. I center my life around nap time. Life is just more pleasant that way.

Read other articles in the series on Discipline:

The Foundation of Dicipline

It’s Not Always About Discipline

Photo by ninjapoodle