It Takes More Than One To Be A Terrible Two

Out-of-control tots aren’t always simply in the throes of a rocky developmental stage—their parents may be exacerbating their behavior.  They often failed to agreeable.  They often failed to include explanations with their admonitions (they’d say, for instance. “Get away from the tablecloth!”  instead of “Leave the tablecloth alone; you’ll pull down the plates and hurt yourself”).  “Giving a rationale shows respect for the child’s emerging sense of autonomy explains study coauthor Jay Belsky, Ph.D. Problem parents also didn’t present a united discipline front or provide alternatives, such as “You can’t touch that vase, but here’s a toy to play with, “Of course, admits Belky, “no matter how you behave, some children will be more challenging than others.  But if you play your discipline cards right, you’re less likely to have a defiant child.”