SPB News February 2019

ECE CORNER | PARENTING TIPS
How to Teach Toddlers and
Preschoolers Self-Control
Adapted article from KidsHealth
By learning self-control, kids can make
appropriate decisions and respond to
stressful situations in ways that can
yield positive outcomes.
For example, if you say that you’re not
serving ice cream until after dinner, your
child may cry, plead, or even scream in
hopes that you will give in. But with selfcontrol,
your child can understand that a
temper tantrum means you’ll take away
the ice cream for good and that it’s wiser
to wait patiently.
Here are a few suggestions on how to help
young kids learn to control their behavior.
Up to Age 2
Infants and toddlers get frustrated by the
large gap between the things they want
to do and what they’re able to do. They
often respond with temper tantrums.
1. Distract your child
Try to prevent outbursts by distracting
your little one with toys or other
activities. (Think about it, this is how
many grown-ups enable themselves
to resist snacking on unhealthy treats.
They divert themselves with another
activity or option.)
2. Give it a name
Name what you’re trying to teach. Say,
“We are growing your self-control muscle!
See, you can wait like a big kid!”
3. Time out
For kids reaching the 2-year-old mark, try
a brief timeout in a designated area — like
a kitchen chair or bottom stair — to show
the consequences for outbursts and teach
that it’s better to take some time alone
instead of throwing a tantrum.
4. Kudos
Sing your child’s praises when he does
show self-control.
Ages 3 to 5
1. Adjust time outs
You can continue to use timeouts, but
rather than enforcing a specific time
limit, end timeouts once your child has
calmed down. This helps your child
improve his sense of self-control.
2. Build your child up
Help your child believe in his selfcontrol
ability. Say, “I bet you can wait
five minutes until we get home to have
something to drink. And I bet you can
do it without complaining.”
3. Reward your child
Praise your child for not losing control
in frustrating or difficult situations.
Make a big deal of his success with our
Printable Self-Control Award Certificate.
Source: https://www.imom.com/how-to-teach-toddlers-and-preschoolers-self-control/#.XIIpNygzaM9