Busy toddlers want to explore everything around them, but sometimes moms have to set boundaries, not only to teach them how to behave, but also to keep them safe. Try some of these discipline tips the next time your toddler gets a little off track:

Set limits. Letting your toddler know that some behaviors and actions are never allowed – like jumping on the bed or pulling the dog’s ears – lets your child know that there are limits in his world that he must stick to. 

Distract. Many moms have found that the best way to stop unwanted toddler behavior is to divert his attention to something else. Simply calling out his name should grab his attention for long enough that you can find something safer for him to pursue.

Offer choices. If your child wants something that’s not allowed, giving him some other options will appeal to his sense of independence.

Be consistent. If you say no to something your toddler wants, and then later back down and let him have or do it, it shows him you don’t always mean what you say, and that no doesn’t always mean no.

Stay positive. Your toddler is probably just as tired of hearing the word “no” as you are of saying it. Many moms find that praising good behaviors makes for more effective discipline than always telling him what he’s not allowed to do.