Question

How to discipline a 2 year old that doesn't listen?

Answer 1

To discipline a 2 year old that doesn't listen, get on the 2 year old's level and use short and clear, one step instructions, and offer limited and positive choices.

For example, you can ask the 2 year old if they want to put on red shoes or blue shoes or ask the 2 year old if they want to put on the white shirt or blue shirt.

Pair the commands that you're commanding the 2 year old to do with action, like physically guiding your 2 year old to clean up if they refuse.

Or physically guide your 2 year old to put on their socks and shoes or help them if they need help.

Disciplining a 2 year old that does not listen requires consistency, calmness and immediate actions, instead of long term explanations.

When disciplining a 2 year old that doesn't listen or disciplining a 2 year old in general, get on their level, by kneeling down and making eye contact with the 2 year old and speak to the 2 year old calmly to ensure that the 2 year old hears you.

Use few words and keep the instructions for the 2 year old to 1 to 2 words or use short and simple sentences.

If the 2 year old does not listen the first time, immediately help the 2 year old do the task through guided compliance.

You can also use the Do instead of No approach and tell the 2 year old what to do, instead of what not to do, like walk in the house instead of Don't run in the house.

And offer the 2 year old choices and give them control over small and acceptable options to reduce power struggles.

And use immediate, logical and consistent consequences for defiance, like removing a toy or ending of a fun activity.

And provide the 2 year old with warnings, by giving the 2 year old a 1 minute warning before transitioning from a new activity to help the 2 year old adjust.

Avoid yelling at your 2 year old as loud and angry communication with a 2 year old is less effective than a firm and steady quiet tone and avoid long explanations as 2 year old's cannot process long lectures.

If you set a boundary with your 2 year old, you should also follow through or the 2 year old will also learn that not listening works.

Avoid repeating the same instruction to the 2 year old multiple times and instead if they don't listen the first time you should follow up with action.

Use positive reinforcement when the 2 year old does listen and when you catch the 2 year old listening and behaving, praise the 2 year old immediately for following instructions.