Getting your child to cooperate doesn’t always mean getting firmer.
Sometimes, it means getting playful.
In this episode, Dr. Cathryn shares one of the most underused discipline tools for young kids: playfulness.
You’ll hear the story of Jamie, a little girl who absolutely did NOT want to leave, and how a doorknob offered the clue her parents needed.
Dr. Cathryn explains the “calm-calm-explode cycle” many parents fall into, why repeating yourself or getting more serious often doesn’t work, and how play can help you get your child’s attention without giving up the limit.
You’ll learn:
• Why resistance doesn’t always mean your child needs a firmer response
• How play can make transitions and everyday requests easier
• Simple ways to use play when getting dressed, leaving the house, or handling other moments of pushback
• Why being playful doesn’t mean being permissive
• When play probably won’t work and what to remember instead
Expectations don’t have to change. Your child still needs to put on the shoes, leave the playground, or get into bed.
Sometimes you just need a different route to get there.
Because discipline isn’t only about getting the behavior you want. It’s also about how you get there and the child standing in front of you.
RESOURCES
Toddlers Made Easy online course
Potty Training Made Easy online course
The Big-Hearted Sleep Solution mini-class
Toddlers Made Easy book
FREE WORKSHOP: Potty Without Pushback
FREE GUIDE: 5 Must-Dos Before Starting Potty Training
And don’t forget to follow Dr. Cathryn on Instagram.