How many times have you threatened your kids with a consequence, only to not actually enforce it? Learn how to avoid empty threats for better behavior. "If you don't stop, we're not going to the park!" I hollered at my kids. They had been fighting over a toy, for what seemed like the tenth time that day. But instead of instant submission—or even a pause—they refused to listen. The threat of not going outside to play wasn't enough to get them to stop fighting. Sure, they may have been too involved to fully grasp the threat, or maybe not going to the park wasn't enough of a motivation … [Read more...]

Struggling with your child hitting or not listening? Learn how to discipline when your 3 year old behavior is out of control. Many of us were warned about the "Terrible Twos," but they don't always tell you about what happens after. The days when your 3 year old talks back, is aggressive and mean (of course, only toward you), or won't listen to anything you say. When no amount of timeouts or taking privileges away does anything. Or when he totally ignores what you say, or yells "I don't care!" Maybe he bites, hits, and scratches when he doesn't get what he wants, or whines and cries … [Read more...]

Dealing with a defiant 3 year old is never easy. Take a look at 5 unusual ways to discipline a defiant toddler without yelling, and with respect instead. Your 3 year old's behavior is out of control. He purposefully does something he's not allowed to do, like slapping stickers on the coffee table (which never come off) or hitting his sister. He might throw a toy car across the room and not think anything wrong of it. You've tried time-outs and confiscating toys and privileges. You've even spoke to him in a firm tone of voice and explained why his behavior is inappropriate. Except he … [Read more...]