5 Toddler Discipline Tips All Parents Should Follow 1. Don’t Hit The research is pretty clear that harsh punishment, including spanking and yelling result in poor outcomes for most children. It also teaches kids that problems can be solved with violence. So stay calm and keep your hands to yourself. 2. Take a Time Out If a child is pushing you to the breaking point, then it’s important you find calm quickly before yelling or pushing unreasonable punishments. Make sure your kid is someplace safe and then find somewhere to take a breath and cool off. 3. Start With Values Your family should have a well defined set of values, a mission statement of sorts that keeps you focused on what you find important. Any rule you establish should be connected to those values. If it’s not, then maybe the rule isn’t as important as you thought. 4. Create Clear Boundaries Every behavioral boundary should be tied to a family value. If a kid asks why a boundary is there, you should have an answer. And these boundaries (and the reasons for them) should be communicated clearly and often. 5. Praise Effort, Not Outcomes Giving praise generously will help kids orient to the type of behavior you want to see. But it’s even more useful to praise the qualities that led to the outcomes. For instance: Praising a child for being brave may be better than praising them for staying in bed despite their fear of the dark