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Using God in some manner, how do you teach a toddler not to bite?
In teaching your toddler right from wrong and that it is wrong to bite, how do you use God to show that this is wrong?
I'm looking for some method that couldn't be used exactly the same way by an atheist, but without the God part. For example, do unto others as you would have them do unto you could just as easily be an atheist ideal.
18 Answers
- EdsLv 71 decade ago
As a toddler, he/she will not completly understand except that we are told in the Old Testament to "spare the rod and spoil the child". I would begin by a time out spot where they can not play for two or three minutes. When this is ineffective then a sharp swat on the rear end is next. The child can be told about the feelings of others and treating others as we want to be treated but this is not going to be very effective right now. I hope you find what will work for him/her. Have a great day.
Eds
- Christian93Lv 51 decade ago
A toddler really is not able to have an understanding of who God is. But it is still good to teach them about God through praise songs and such.
It's not a good idea to only speak of God when you want to teach your child about punishment, because as they grow, they may associate God with punishment and never understand God's purpose in our lives.
While your child is young, you will have to find ways to reinforce good behavior and punish accordingly for bad behavior.
- 1 decade ago
Aren't toddlers a bit young for metaphysics?
I think young kids are susceptible to authority and 'DONT BITE PEOPLE' is good enough on its own.
I mean if your child walked to the edge of a cliff would you start talking about possible sudden accelerations due to curved spacetime or just yell at him to stay away from the edge because he could fall?
Thats what I thought!
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- arewethereyetLv 71 decade ago
I would tell my own toddler that biting hurts, and we don't want to hurt people, that's not being a loving person. Depending on their level of understanding I might even tell them simply "biting hurts, hugs are better". (toddlers, btw, do not understand contractions, so if you say "don't" they hear "do" ... so I try to avoid contractions when possible)
- Anonymous1 decade ago
You can't. God is not part of the equation. Your toddler has not seen God during his lifetime. But he has seen his mom. Instead of "God will see this and be unhappy" try "Your mom will find out, and be unhappy."
- wisdomLv 41 decade ago
Back when parents were parents and kids were kids, before the shriks got involved you used to bite them back. It works real good.
- 1 decade ago
You are supposed to tell the toddler that it will burn in eternal hellfire if it bites. Also, you are permitted to stone the toddler to death if after repeated discipline, it still bites.
- kent_shakespearLv 71 decade ago
?
Isn't the important part getting a child to learn, and to be a good person? I fail to see why indoctrination takes precedence over simple goodness.
- Anonymous1 decade ago
"if you bite someone and die tomorrow, god will put u in an everlasting timeout"
LMAO @ jim darwin & meat machine