As child care professionals who manage dozens of happy, zany toddlers and young students on a daily basis, the team behind A Brighter Rainbow Learning Center in Billerica understands that not every day with a toddler is an easy one. As children reach the age of the “Terrible Twos” and beyond, you may start to see an increased need for discipline that was not present before. No matter how many young ones you have, the realization that you may need to begin a course of slightly stricter discipline never arrives early. But that’s okay! If you’re struggling with toddler behavior, the early childhood education center is here to help.

The most important thing—well, one of the most important traits in correcting behavior in a young child—is to be consistent. Meet the same misbehaviors with the same response, every time they occur. Don’t ignore behavior one day, but respond to it the next. Mixed signals result in added, unnecessary confusion. Also, try as hard as possible to not grow emotional. Screaming in anger, crying from frustration, and similar outbursts feel necessary and natural, but only serve to exacerbate the situation when handling your toddler. Approach each interaction as calmly, sternly, and directly as possible, and your message will reach the child.

If you are constantly battling repeat misbehaviors, you may be able to detect a pattern. Knowing your child, being in tune with what “triggers” his or her behaviors (Does she push things off of the dinner table? Is he bad at sharing his toys on play dates?) helps parents intervene earlier. Preventing and detecting bad behavior is a key to stopping it altogether.

And, of course, the day care center knows you are tired. So, so tired. So pick and choose your battles carefully! Defining what is most important to you—odds are, he or she will grow out of smaller, stranger habits—and reinforcing good behavior will all contribute to raising a happy, healthy, well-behaved toddler.

For more from the top preschool and day care outside of Boston, contact A Brighter Rainbow Learning Center! Visit the early childhood education center online, and call (978) 670-9222 to speak with someone during the week.