How can I discipline a 3 year old?

Answer by  amber85 (147)

A good reward system could work instead of resorting to punishments. You could try making a chart and for every day your child behaves well you could try letting them add their own sticker to the chart, and at the end of the week reward them with a special treat.

Answer by  Cali2307 (1337)

As mommy to mine, I believe it is the age. So I try to maintain consistency. It's a battle of wills! I stick to immediate time outs, removal for fits and I will keep an offending toy for a day if he is breaking a rule with it.

Answer by  MelindaS (1694)

There are a number of schools of thought regarding discipline, so it really depends on how you feel about the methods, and what works for your child and you. Some parents use some form of physical discipline for repeated offenses, after verbal warnings. Others find that time-out is very effective. You could also try positive reinforcement, but be very consistent.

Answer by  maber (1427)

Time out away from the action that is going on. Also you must be consistant. No matter what you do, consistancy is the key. If you say you're going to do it, then you must follow through.

Answer by  sherryk (621)

One swat on the butt will do wonders! NO ABUSIVE swats, but just enough so they know you are the parent and they are the child. At three, this is acceptable--for their safety; i.e, if they're touching the stove after being told not to , or running into the street.

Answer by  bean11 (2803)

Consistency is the best way to deal with unruly children. Time-outs and taking away favorite toys, etc will work as long as you do this consistently and don't let them out of their room/give their toys back early.

Answer by  patti (29325)

It is often a battle of wills. There are a lot of great books on the subject, like Your Three-Year-Old: Friend or Enemy (Louise Bates Ames).

Answer by  jess123 (45)

3 year olds have the ability to know what's right and wrong. Together have a list of rewards (ie. extra swim time) for good behaviour and consequences for bad behaviour (ie. time out, no swim time). Reinforce good behaviour and "punish" bad behaviour.

Answer by  ladybud (1069)

Take toy's The child love's the most.If this failed try making the child stand in a corner or take thing's the child desire's most and trade for good behavior.

Answer by  Rose (6804)

Time out is considered to be the best form of discipline for a toddler, if you are in a situation in which you can not enforce a time out then try redirection. The book 123 magic for Christian Parents is a very effective use of time outs to discipline toddlers and young children.

Answer by  Tears (81)

Try a time in rather then a time out. This is where they sit next to you quietly for 1 min per age. Remember to ignore them during.