When new parents start to see their child grow into the toddler years they begin to face the challenges of parenting. This should be considered from day one and kept on a positive but firm note. These early years are critical times of learning and parents can teach habits that will last a lifetime. One of the most basic and important aspects of discipline is consistency. Parents who are consistent in handling consequences with their children from day one will have a much easier time setting boundaries and dealing with the child later on. This means that both of you have to be on the same page and handle discipline in a similar fashion.
One of the best ways to be positive with your parenting is to stay calm when a child acts out. Young children are still learning how to express their emotions and can communicate about them in only limited ways. Parents who stay calm when the child is acting out will have a much easier time dealing with the situation. Getting upset, yelling and using repeated threats quickly lose their influence, especially when a parent does not follow through with what he or she threatens.
The child will also not act out continually when he or she sees that it is not eliciting a reaction from you. If you are calm and consistent, the child is more apt to listen in time and learn more from this type of positive parenting. You and your spouse should discuss how you will handle various situations and what kind of consequences that you will enact with your children. You will be better parents to your child by having a game plan from the start. This will help to build a strong behavioral foundation for your child as well.