Skip directly to search
Skip directly to A to Z list
Skip directly to navigation
Skip directly to page options
Skip directly to site content
Start of Search Controls
Search Form Controls
Cancel
Submit
Search the CDC
CDC A-Z Index
MENU
CDC A-Z
SEARCH
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
J
K
L
M
N
O
P
Q
R
S
T
U
V
W
X
Y
Z
#
Start of Search Controls
Search Form Controls
Cancel
Submit
Search The CDC
Essentials for Parenting Toddlers and Preschoolers
Note: Javascript is disabled or is not supported by your browser. For this reason, some items on this page will be unavailable. For more information about this message, please visit this page:
About CDC.gov
.
Essentials Homepage
Overview
Communicating with Your Child
Responding to Good Behavior
Praise and Imitation
Description
Active Listening
Special Playtime
Tips for Special Playtime
Additional Tips
Answers from Experts
Quick Tips
Creating Structure and Rules
Building Blocks
Examples of Family Routines
Family Rules
Steps in Creating Family Rules
Answers from Experts
Quick Tips
Giving Directions
Why Are Good Directions Important?
Steps in Giving Directions
Step1: Get your child’s attention
Step 2: Give the direction
Step 3: Check compliance
Step 4: Add a consequence
Answers from Experts
Quick Tips
Using Discipline and Consequences
Why are Consequences Important?
Use of Rewards
Developing and Using a Reward Program
What if the Reward Program isn’t Working?
Using Consequences for Misbehaviors
Step 1: Identify the Misbehavior
Step 2: Give a Warning
Step 3: Give a Consequence
Step 4: Tell them Why
Step 5: Go Back to Positive Communication
How to Use Ignoring
Tips and Examples
Answers from Experts
Quick Tips
Using Time-Out
What is Time-Out?
When Should Time-Out Be Used?
Steps for Using Time-Out
Handling Time-Out Challenges
Locations and Other Keys
Answers from Experts
Quick Tips
Practice Parenting Skills
Communicating with Your Child
Creating Structure and Rules
Giving Directions
Scenario 1
Scenario 2
Scenario 3
Scenario 4
Using Discipline & Consequences
Using Time-Out
Scenario 1
Scenario 2
Scenario 3
Scenario 4
Creating a Time-Out Space
Example of a Good Space for Time-Out
Parenting Videos
Play Time: Communicating with Your Child
How to Use Positive Communication
Charts & Graphs: Creating Structure & Rules
How to Create Structure
You Know What I Mean? Giving Directions
How to Give Good Directions
Sippy Cup: Using Discipline & Consequences
How to Use Discipline & Consequences
She Knows: Using Time-Out
How to Use Time-Out
Promotional Video
Other Resources
References
Get Email Updates
To receive email updates about this topic, enter your email address:
Enter Email Address
Enter Email Address
What's this?
Submit
<a class="explain" href="http://www.cdc.gov/emailupdates/">What's this?</a> <label><span class="tp-sr-only">Submit Button</span> <input class="button submit" name="commit" type="submit" value="Submit" /></label>
Parent Information
Pregnancy
Infants (Ages 0-3)
Children (Ages 4-11)
Teens (Ages 12-19)
Other Resources
Browse All Parent Topics
Parent Videos
Social Media Tools
Health Care Professionals & Researchers
CDC
Parenting
Answers From Experts
Recommend on Facebook
Tweet
Share
Compartir
Click on a link below to find answers from experts on common parenting situations.
Communicating with Your Child
Creating Structure and Rules
Giving Directions
Discipline and Consequences
Using Time-Out
Get Email Updates
To receive email updates about this topic, enter your email address:
Enter Email Address
Enter Email Address
What's this?
Submit
<a class="explain" href="http://www.cdc.gov/emailupdates/">What's this?</a> <label><span class="tp-sr-only">Submit Button</span> <input class="button submit" name="commit" type="submit" value="Submit" /></label>
Parent Information
Pregnancy
Infants (Ages 0-3)
Children (Ages 4-11)
Teens (Ages 12-19)
Other Resources
Browse All Parent Topics
Parent Videos
Social Media Tools
Health Care Professionals & Researchers
File Formats Help:
How do I view different file formats (PDF, DOC, PPT, MPEG) on this site?
Adobe PDF file
Microsoft PowerPoint file
Microsoft Word file
Microsoft Excel file
Audio/Video file
Apple Quicktime file
RealPlayer file
Text file
Zip Archive file
SAS file
ePub file
RIS file
Page last reviewed:
May 22, 2014
Page last updated:
May 22, 2014
Content source:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Top
ShareCompartir
