How to effectively encourage good behaviour in your toddler?

One very effective method is to PRAY with the child

I realize that J is paying more attention whenever we pray in the morning to say grace for breakfast, lunch and dinner and at bed-time. This is because the audience is not just God alone, but J too. J is very eager to hear what good things we have to say about him. I notice that J would smile whenever he hears me mentioning good things about him in the prayer. It is funny and very rewarding to watch. It also shows that he understands a lot about what is being said.

And I realize that it is having positive impact on his behaviour, and that J will reaffirm the good behaviour more.

What to pray for?

Pray for ONE good thing the child has done

Find one good thing that your child has done and share it with God in your prayer. In doing so, you are indirectly praising your child. If J has done something praise-worthy for the day, I will mention it in the prayer.

For example, I will say, "Dear Jesus, thank you for giving us such a well-behaved child, who remembered to clear his plate after dinner this evening."

If J hasn't done anything praise-worthy for that day, but slept well without waking up during the night. I will say, "Dear Heavenly Father, thank you that J has been so good in sleeping through the night".

Other Benefits:

1. Effective moral training

Ever since I started this, I notice also that J is very eager to pray together. So it makes moral and godly training easier.

2. Training on listening skills

As mentioned above, J began to listen more attentively to what is being said.

3. Training on language skills

As a result of listening skill learned, the child's language's skills also improve.

4. Good for building strong marriage

My best friend Jannie reminded me to always remember to find one good thing to praise our spouse. This is also good to use on my Significant Other:-)

Note:
If you have not known Jesus, and want to know more before trying to pray, I just want to share that knowing God in my life is the best thing that I have experienced. In all life's challenges, including parenting, God is there to walk beside me, giving me wisdom, renewing my strength and carrying me through in all circumstances. I am just so filled with thankfulness to God.

The Bible says in Romans 10:9 "If you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you shall be saved."

If you would like to believe in Jesus and accept Him into your life as your Lord and Saviour, tell it to God and He will definitely do so.

God's Word from the Bible promises in Luke 11:9:

"So I say to you: Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you."

God promises in Jeremiah 33:3:

"Call to Me and I will answer you, and I will tell you great and mighty things, which you do not know."