 |
|
|
|
| Healthy Behaviour
|
|
|
|
Listen Up
SOS! My 3-year-old ignores me when I discipline her.
Q When I try to discipline my 3-year-old, she completely ignores me. What am I doing wrong?
A At 3, many children have gained the language skills and communicative abilities to express themselves. This is the age when many parents try to reason with their children or impose punishment, such as time-outs. Unfortunately, 3-year-olds often still do not understand what punishment means. Some children respond well to logical discipline, while others may not have the attention span or cognitive abilities to understand wrong from right. This may be why your child seems to be ignoring you. As a parent, it is important to realise that discipline is meant to teach and provide learning. When you are trying to find a way to discipline your 3-year-old, make the most of her language and communication skills to effectively teach her how to make good decisions for herself. For instance, when your child acts rude or ignores house rules, like refusing to eat, remove your child from the table immediately.
This shows her that behaving badly has a consequence. Over time, your 3-year-old will learn to bridge the two actions together in her mind and realise that if she does A, then B will happen. However, if time-outs and withdrawal of privileges is becoming a daily occurrence, your child does not yet understand her actions. As she is just learning to listen, be patient. Think of discipline as a teaching tool and keep in mind that your child needs two things in order to learn what you want her to: Ability and motivation.
This question is answered by Preman Komala Devi, principal curriculum specialist at My First Skool.
If you have any comments or practical suggestions, write to us at editor@family.sg
- Mother & Baby
Grab your latest issue at all major newsstands and bookstores today!
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|