Discipline Tips for a Three Year Old

Updated on May 16, 2009
M.L. asks from Cranston, RI
4 answers

Hi Moms, I was wondering if anyone had any useful discipline tips that they have used with three year olds? I have a three year old son and just need some advice on how to discipline for basic issues, like not sharing or listening, little things like that. We have tried some things in the past and they seem to work for a little bit and then stop working. I was just curious to see what some other moms did! Thanks so much!

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S.F.

answers from Boston on

When I'm in doubt, I refer to Positive Discipline by Jane Nelson. I can't recommend it enough. Positive Discipline is a philosophy that will help you raise a SELF-disciplined, responsible, confident child. The books give specific techniques to try as well as an overall introduction to the philosophy. Good luck!

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R.K.

answers from Boston on

1-2-3 magic is the best book you could ever buy!

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A.R.

answers from Portland on

I think the first thing I realized with my son that sometimes the root of the behavior is either he is bored or lonely. He will act out for some kind of attention whether it is good or bad. I have realized that if I make sure we have special concentrated chunks of time together some of the negative behaviors come down. Then my next step is the 1-2-3 magic and then a time out in the corner for no longer than his age. A very few times I have put him to down for a nap or bed early when he's just over tired and over whelmed. At times he made need special time with daddy too. My son starts to listen to my voice again after two days with daddy being home. Also when I need a break, he goes and plays with meme which helps me to bring down my stress which in turn brings down his stress and gives him a chance for special one on one time with his meme. I hope this helps, A.

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J.H.

answers from Providence on

hey M.,
we went through his with the not sharing and not listening. what i had to end up doing is getting tough. if he didn't share, then the toy got taken away. if we were out and he didn't listen, we gave a warning and then if the behavior continued we immediately left. EVERYTIME we go somewhere i prepare him in the car with rules and my expectations and what the consequence will be if he doesn't follow them. we do this over and over in the car. sharing can be dealt with with a toy time out. if mine is out of line with not sharing or hitting with a toy, i take it away for the day and put it in toy time out.
time out chair is also quite helpful. follow the supernanny technique. it really works. you just have to be consistent with it. hope this helps!

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