Positive Toddler Discipline Cheat Sheet – designed for fridge door survival during the 5 p.m. meltdown window.

🍼 Positive Toddler Discipline – Quick Guide>

1. Connect Before Correcting

   
   

   💬 “I see you’re upset. Let’s talk.”

   
   

   • Kneel to their level

   • Eye contact + calm tone

     
     

2. Set Clear Boundaries

   
   

   🛑 Simple rules: “We walk inside.”

   
   

   • Short phrases, no lectures

   • Be consistent

     
     

3. Offer Choices

   
   

   “Blue cup or red cup?”

   
   

   • 2 acceptable options only

   • Avoid open-ended traps

     
     

4. Redirect Energy

   
   

   ➡ “Balls are for throwing. Let’s throw this one outside.”

   • Offer a safe, fun alternative

     
     

5. Praise Specifically

   
   

   🌟 “You waited so patiently!”

   
   

   • Praise effort, not perfection

     
     

6. Use Natural Consequences

   
   

   Spill it? Help clean it.

   
   

   • Calm tone, no shaming

     
     

7. Regulate Yourself First

   
   

   • 😌 Breathe before responding

Connection > correction

💡 Remember: Toddlers aren’t “being bad,” they’re learning how to be human.