Have you found yourself stressed out with your child? No matter what age children can be a bit stressful. A infant with colic can be frustrating since you watch your baby suffer and there is nothing you can do. But, when it is time to teach your young toddler right and wrong, how do you do it? Do you tell them no and hope they get it? Do you tap their hand so they do not touch again? Do you spank your child in hopes you never have to do that again? Or should you put your child in time out? It can be hard to determine which way to discipline your child, and no one can tell you which way is the right way. But, keep in mind if you leave a mark it is considered child abuse!
Raising children can be difficult. Especially when it comes to having to say, “no,” “do not touch that,” or my personal favorite “sit down.” Having children keeps you on your toes. Especially those who stay home with their children. Having children is also a blessing and at the end of the day it can be rewarding as well.
I am sure you love your child and wouldn’t want to do anything to make your child scared of you. At least not on purpose. If you spank your child and they don’t understand why, can make them feel like your going to strike at any time. Making them cautious of their every move, it even makes their “guards” go up while bonding with you. That can make play time not so fun. So spankings can actually be more painful then you thought, and not just for your child.
When your child hits you or someone else, what do you say to them? Probably something like; “Hey we do not hit.” But, if you hit “spank” them for it your contradicting yourself. Which can be confusing. Even for me. You have to remember that your child’s biggest role model is their parents and family. They love you and parents are a child’s very first teacher. If you spank your child then you probably should not say “your not aloud to hit, its unacceptable.”
However discipline is important you just have to find out the right method for you. Without scaring and confusing your child.
THE METHOD I CHOSE FOR MY LITTLE ONE
I chose to send my child to time out. I did this for many reasons. I do not do spankings. I grew up in a home where my parents “gave spankings” and it never made sense to me. I was hit twice (that I can remember) and my older brother was always in trouble, and hitting him was never the answer. It never helped and it scared me and my little brother.
My child is about to be two so she is into everything. The cabinets, her clothes, and everything else. But, that doesn’t bother me. I do not allow my daughter to do anything that is going to hurt her. For example, standing on the couch, standing in her chair, or jumping on her bed. I also do not allow her to cry for no reason. Like, when she wants a cup, or just because she is cranky.
When I say time out I mean sitting along a wall in the dining room. I put her in time out for one minute (since she is still one). If she gets up I start the minute again. Keep in mind I only keep a child in time out depending on their age. 1 years old equals 1 minute, 7 years old equals 7 minutes.
I don’t use her room as time out because that is where she sleeps and has her “me time.” I want her to be happy in her room not miserable. That’s why I cam up with the time out in the dining room. I love my daughter but it is important for her to know right and wrong.
I remember the first time I put my daughter in time out. That day she was in there for 3-4 times for throwing her food on the floor. Accidents are okay, bit it is not okay to dump your plate when your full. It been 1-2 months now and she goes in time out 3-4 times per week. I do give her warnings, she hates being in time out. But, as a end result I think it works.
When she gets out of the corner I do give her a hug and tell her I love her. I also explain why I put her in time out. You may think they don’t understand but they do.
**Stay At Home Mom**
