the question today is how can i stop my toddler from throwing things in this video i'm going to
give you an easy step-by-step plan to stop your toddler from throwing things
so you don't have to keep retrieving them and worrying about them throwing something
and damaging it or hitting other things around especially you or other children
hi i'm holly mclean the mommy answer lady i'm a certified parent educator mom of nine and author
of the book and online course how to train your child to behave there's new content that comes out
on this channel just for that purpose every week so please take a moment right now and subscribe
i try to get right to the point in my videos because i know you're a busy parent and wanting
answers so let's get started i'm going to go over the plan and then i will explain the reactions
of the child depending on their temperament so be sure to watch until the end now before i do
that though i want to let you know this video is about throwing things like toys clothes and it can
be applied to throwing food too but if you're talking about throwing sand on the playground
or rocks or something like that that's different and i will make a separate short video about that
now here's the foolproof plan to teach your toddler not to throw things let's say your
child picks up a toy and throws it across the room here's what to do number one take their hand
firmly take hold of the hand they use to throw the item so they will have to stop what they're doing
and pay attention to you number two look them in the eye calmly and without anger look your child
directly in the eye this is very important because your child will know you are serious and mean
business if you take the time to stop what you're doing and address them directly number three
put your eyebrows down i don't mean to get angry or cross but putting your eyebrows down is body
language that tells your child you are displeased with the action they have just taken you can do
this calmly and with patients and purposefully to communicate this behavior is not acceptable
number four use a low tone in your voice use a low tone to say no throwing slowly and methodically
this will be another indication to your child that you are serious and that this behavior is
not acceptable number five retrieve the item what you've just done by taking their hand
looking at them in the eye and telling them not to throw was teaching them your expectations
they now know you do not want them to throw the item retrieving the item is the part
that will start the training that will help your child learn not to do it in the future
and to listen to you when you speak you can retrieve the item yourself this time
or you could tell them to retrieve it either way make sure they have the item back in front of them
so what happens now before we go to step number six there are three possible reactions you will
get from a child when you have just gone through these first five steps now the
compliant child will usually obey and may seem remorseful and sad that they've displeased you
if that happens just give them a big hug and say remember no throwing anymore then move on then you
have what i call the seesaw child because they are sometimes compliant and sometimes strong-willed
this child will be curious about how serious you are and what will happen if they do it again
they're not really being rebellious or defiant but their curiosity at the situation will compel them
to throw the item again and lastly you have the strong-willed child this child will look directly
at you and defy your instructions to let you know they are not going to comply so what do you do if
they throw the item again first do not get angry i know from personal experience that this can
be frustrating but no matter the circumstances see your child's behavior as an opportunity to
teach and train them to behave so let's say your child throws the item again number six
take immediate action you're going to now repeat step number one but this time when you
take their hand hold it firmly to a point of being uncomfortable and give their hand a little flick
if you need to it doesn't harm them but gives them a little shock to show you mean business
now this little action will help them know you're not going to give up and they must comply number
seven repeat step two through six consistency is the key to effectiveness don't wait until you
get frustrated and then apply a step-by-step method do it at the very first moment your
child throws something that they shouldn't if you do exactly these steps consistently
and without giving up you will teach your child that throwing things is not acceptable and they
will understand and stop doing it you can click right here on one of these cards to get more short
step-by-step instructional videos on how to handle other behaviors your child may be displaying
please leave a comment below if you have any questions parents you can do this thanks for
watching