Developmental Milestones

Wednesday, January 20, 2010

How to Introduce Discipline to your Toddler.

Hello readers and parents,

I wanted to take this opportunity to introduce myself as I begin this journey helping parents through this blog. As my profile mentions, my name is Michelle Chrastil and I am a master level therapist who specializes in working with children and families. I am also a certified postpartum doula and have been working with families for more than 10 years.

Yesterdays post was a report I wrote up for a family who contacted me to help them with their 21 month old. As you may have read, I discussed the method of discipline I recommend and provided a step by step guide on how to introduce the technique to your child. There comes a point where every new parent needs to decide how they are going to guide their child through difficulties. Some parents may not feel comfortable with the term "discipline" and interpret it as harsh. The discipline I am referring to is simply a consistent system that teaches children boundaries through expectations, consequences, and rewards. Every child needs guidance. They need to be taught the rules and consequences of their choices. They also need to be praised when they behave and sometimes rewarded. This is the most age appropriate and clear way to guide your children.

I welcome families to write in with their questions. I love the opportunity to share helpful information with parents and to encourage networking between the struggling families as a source of support.

Look for more posts that address common infant and child rearing related problems.

Sincerely,

Michelle

Michelle Chrastil MA CPD NCC
Honest Family Services, LLC.
www.honestfamilyservices.com

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Testomonials

"Michelle is truly a dedicated therapist. She has found her calling. Michelle is a patient and insightful and has a way of gently facilitating seismic shifts in family dynamics. She has helped my 14 year old daughter, and in turn me, so much. I am really grateful we found you!"



-Adrienne



"Michelle was such a blessing to our family. My oldest girl Rachel absolutely loved her. Michelle was able to incorporate learning into playtime and she has an amazing ability to manage little ones. As a working mom, I couldn't have made it without her when my second child was born. I don't know who she took better care of, me or my girls!"



-Dana




"Coming home from the hospital, as a new mom of twins, was both excited and intimidating. My husband and I hired Michelle initially, as a night nanny. I can honestly say that she was a complete wealth of information and so wonderful with our twin daughters. Being new to this all and having no family in town, it was nice to have someone who was so experienced. Her knowledge of helping mothers of twins, with successfully breastfeeding, was the most important thing to me! Because of her, I was able to breastfeed my daughters until they were nine months old! She was so encouraging and I don't think I could have done it without her! Once our girls were sleeping through the night we had Michelle start helping us out during the day! Our daughters loved her, but I think we loved her more!!! "



-Linsley



"When our 4 month old was continuing to get up six or more times a night and my husband was sleeping on the couch for months, we thankfully, found Michelle. She spent time with us to understand what our schedule and routine was,or wasn't!, and helped us with a schedule and routine that really worked. Within a few weeks, Bella was sleeping through the night, and my husband and I got our bed back. Michelle's suggestions helped us so much. She was very caring and supportive. Thank you Michelle!"



-Jen