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Toddlerlingo:
Using Language To Tackle Behaviour Problems

Use language to tackle behaviour problems

The language you use, and the way you talk to your little one make a big difference to tackling behaviour problems in toddlers, and boosting their self-esteem.

This is more than just trying not to shout. Follow the strategies below and watch how your toddler's behaviour improves...



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Give Clear Instructions

give clear instructions If instructions are too vague or negative, it's easy for your toddler to misunderstand you:
  • "Stop doing that! It's Luke's" - Doing what?
  • "Don't pick that car up. We can't take it home" - Daddy said 'pick the car up, take home' - great!

Children of this age are beginners with language and you should simplify what you say so they understand.

This is how: tell your child specifically what you want her to do, and show her as well if possible.

For example:

  • "Put the paper in the bin please" (take her to the bin and point inside it)
  • "Give the car to Luke please" (If there is no reaction, give the car to Luke yourself)

Being over-clear avoids misunderstandings where you think your toddler is being naughty, but in fact she doesn't actually understand what you want her to do.


Praise Your Toddler

praise Do you tell your child how well he has done something often enough?

Praise for not running across the road or using the potty for the first time is good.

Praise for doing what is expected of him is even better.

Imagine it's your first day at a new job. You're not sure what is expected of you but you really want to do well and impress the boss.

Wouldn't you be happier getting constant positive feedback?

This is what life is like for your toddler. Prevent behaviour problems by praising him for eating his breakfast, coming when you ask and listening to a story - even if he always does this anyway.

Be specific so he knows exactly what he has done right: "Good boy for eating your cornflakes. Well done!"



Avoid the 'N' Word

avoid saying 'No' NO is one of the toddler's favourite and most infuriating words. If you can restrict how often you say it, so will they - hopefully!

Swap these No's for more positive instructions:

  • "No more pudding" - Instead: "Pudding is finished now"
  • "No walking on the road!" - Instead: "Let's walk on the pavement"
  • "No eating food off the floor" - Instead: "We eat on the table, don't we?"


How To Deal With "No!"

Toddler-Discipline 101
Are you sick of hearing your toddler say NO! all the time?

Discover why this is normal behaviour, and 2 more effective anti-NO tactics at your disposal

...as well as a whole lot more

Find out more here



Small language tricks like these will make a surprising difference to how you prevent and deal with behaviour problems in toddlers.



Further Information

Talking To Toddlers is an audio course that helps you get on top of your child's behaviour problems, using language in a positive way. Try it and let me know what you think!


Return to Preventing Behaviour Problems

Return from Use Language to Toddler Discipline


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