Gentle discipline for baby and toddlers

Life seems like one big science experiment for curious little ones-but you can't always let them poke, prod and pour.

A new born is so helpless and innocent that caring for him is an awesome task. However, as the months pass and your baby is suddenly into everything-splashing in the dog's water bowl, grabbing a pen from your purse, popping a penny from under the sofa to his or her mouth (I remember when I was a child i stuck a seed inside my nose and everybody panicked). And you realize that you shouldn't let him or her get away with everything.

You can't send him or her to the room or dock his allowance and you don't want to spend all day scolding either. It's helpful to know that most "misbehavior" at this age is all about experimenting and seeking independence, which are crucial part of your child's development. Although toddler can sometimes be naughty, they often don't know what is right and wrong. As a parent, it's our job to tell them. Discipline is simple means having realistic expectations for your child's behavior and being willing to set gentle, consistent limits when you need to. So here are a few strategies that you can do to keep your child out of trouble.

Avoid Temptation: When your baby starts crawling you know it's time to put covers on your electrical outlets and store crystal vases in a high cupboard. This will ensure safety and at the same time, gives them more room to play.

Change Gears: Children have a short attention span and they get easily distracted. If you child insists of ripping up the paper , distract her or him by playing with his or her favorite toy or go outside so you can both have some fresh air.

Introduce Consequences: Establish a rule and stick with it.

Try Modified Timeouts: Most of us think of a time out as discipline strategy for older kids, but some experts say that you can use a version of it from about 9 months on, specially for more serious offenses.

Focus on Sleep: Overtired toddler are much harder to handle. It's normal for a toddler to throw tantrum to test the limits now and then but if it is consistently difficult, he or she is probably sleep deprived. Kids needs at least 10-12 hours of sleep at night plus one to 3 hours of nap time. If you child isn't getting enough, make the bedtime earlier.

Don't Just Say No: Save the straightforward "NO" for instances when someone could get hurt or your child's safety is at stake-when she or he runs out into the street or reaches for a hot over door. In less extreme circumstances your NO can be followed by a compromise or an alternative suggestion. Try to find an alternative that captures the energy and idea that your child seemed to have in mind so that you can show him you can empathize with what he's feeling. This approach not only solve the immediate problem but also teaches your child to look for more appropriate alternatives in the future.

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