Children are great, however, being a parent to young children can be very challenging. In your child’s toddler and preschool years they are sure to test you to see what they can and can’t get away with. Ensuring that your child is well behaved is easier said than done. If you follow these three steps you can minimize frustrations and learn to cherish every moment you have with your child.

1.) Spend Quality Time With Your Child- It is easy to get caught up in your daily life and put off spending time with your child. Try putting off some chores or work to spend time with your child. Make sure you pay attention to your child’s needs. Make room in your day,everyday, to do something with your child he wants to do. Play with him,read him a book, or let him help you out in the kitchen. By spending quality time with him everyday you are letting your child know that you care about his interests.

2.) Be Consistent With Discipline- At times it can be hard to be consistent with discipline. Eventually the whining and crying becomes too much and it is easy to give in to the child. By being consistent you are letting your child know what behavior you will and will not tolerate. Try a time out space. If your child acts out put him in timeout for three to five minutes. The rule is that your child has to be calm and stay in the time out space for the allotted time. The first few times you do this will be frustrating, but if you are consistent discipline will become easier and more effective.

3.) Teach Through Example- Your child looks up to you. If you are trying to teach your child to always be kind to others your behavior needs to suggest that. If you are trying to teach your child to pick up his toys, then he needs to see you putting your stuff away. Young children copy their parents behavior. By being on you best behavior in front of your child you will set a wonderful example for him.

By following these three steps you will be on your way to having a well behaved child and a better relationship. Always remember to cherish every moment with your child, frustrating or not. Your child will only be this age once.