Discipline for a 17 month old?

Question

My boy is amazing! He is sweet, funny and loving, but oh so adventurous. He is testing limits frequently nowadays, like playing in the dog's water and with his food, climbing up and down the stairs on his own, throwing food at the table, tantrums after not getting his way, etc. I have tried time-out three times. The last time I kept going back over to where he was to put him back in his spot, and even when I would get up to walk over to do that he started whaling. I felt so bad...I didn't want his feelings to get hurt, but I wanted him to know that his behavior was unacceptable. Afterwords I went down to him, gave him a hug, and said "I love you, but we can't hit". I have spanked him twice for a couple of things that were major safety issues, but I prefer to not have to do that again until he gets a lot older. Any suggestions for making timeout better would be wonderful. I do believe in spanking, but in my experience I have seen spanking be so innefective when others in my family have spanked for everything. I vowed that to not happen to my child.

Answer 1

I use both spanking and time-outs for my kids, all depending on the situation. I think because of the young age of your son, you need to put him in his high chair when you give him a time-out. Make it unpleasant, no toys, no snacks, no drink. I have also turned the high chair around so it faces the wall or a corner, so that they can't watch what else is going on in the house. I understand that you don't want to hurt his feelings, but in order to teach him proper boundaries you might have to at times. It will not damage him for life, in fact, he won't even remember it!



Spankings can be effective, if they are used in the right way. At this point all you have to do, is probably just spank his hand. Then make sure you explain why you did it, even if he can't quite comprehend. When he is a bit older, remove him from the situation (go to a different room), then explain why he is getting punished.



Regardless of which discipline you use, make sure you are consistent - that is the key to success. All the best to you!

Answer 2

I would smack my son's hand when he was that age when he would do things that would in-danger him or someone else (like throwing things at people or hitting).

but time out never worked for either.

I also had a HORRIBLE time with the dogs water and food- i would put him in his bed and make him sit there until he calmed down. but i would always explain myself.

If he is still in a crib i would try putting him in there, or on his bed, and shut the door. I know it sounds bad, but really its not, as long as his room in child proof he will not get hurt.

I would not leave him in there over one minutes though, i am sure you are aware of the time-out rule (one minute for every year the child is)



He will soon learn that he cannot test you, because he will get punished for it.



But as far as spanking, i think it is okay. I mean i dont think beating him over and over again, but just a smack on the hand will not hurt him physically or emotionally!

My son is two now. I do spank him when he is told over and over again not to do things, or when he does something dangerous.

But its kinda funny, because when i spank him (and its not hard at ALL!!) he will cry and cry like its the end of the world.

But when we are playing around and smack his bottom he will just laugh and it will be much harder than it was when i spanked him for being bad.

Answer 3

Hi, Liam's Mommy.



Overall, it sounds like you're doing a good job. I, too, have found that spanking works best for major stuff (e.g., running out into the street), but only when they're a bit older (4 yrs).



What does Super Nanny advocate? Consistentcy in discipline. Just continue to do your best. Keep a close eye on the little guy and enforce your rules. It'll cost you some time, but he'll get the picture.

Answer 4

I agree with the Crib thing... putting in there for a time out will not do any favours for bed time and will hate the place... but you your self are doing everything right its just being consistent with which way you choose to discipline... dont feel bad. they need to be taught right from wrong and starting early enough might make a more enjoyable childhood for you and your babs. My 6 yr old has been almost perfect...my 16 month old is a little monkey same thing... putting dog buscuits in the dogs water tipping the water all over the floor ect... we just have very inquisitive boys ha ha

Answer 5

He is too young for timeouts on his own. Remove him from the situation and explain the bad behavior and then sit with him in timeout to give him time to refocus. It is normal curiosity not deliberate misbehavior. He is a little scientist figuring out how the world works. The most you can do is show and tell him your disapproval and change the scenery. He will begin to understand. It takes patience, but this is a normal phase. Be happy - your little man is developing right on track.

Answer 6

First of all, I see you're "Liam's Mommy" and I just love that name!! Anyways, you sound like you're describing my 18 month old son exactly. He is just like all those things you described lol. And I'm sorry that I don't have the answer you're looking for, as I too am trying to figure out the whole discipline thing. But I just wanted to let you know you're not alone! And it sounds like you're doing a great job on your own with what yo'ure doing. I too belive in spanking, but it just doesn't seem right at this age. They don't understand why you're hurting them- they don't put it altogether. I think it's just a constant showing them the right way and not giving in to them that's important. Best of luck to you :)

Answer 7

You are simply going to have to toughen up and stick to the time outs. It doesn't matter if you feel bad or not, you are going to have to do it because time outs work. Kids cry over everything, you'll have to get over that.



Be persistent and don't give up on the time outs. Every time he gets up, put him back. You may have to fight with it for a few days but you're the boss, he's the child. This means you will have to watch him during the time out but don't sit WITH him or you negate the time out and turn it into a social event.



Don't give up or you will teach him several things: a) it's OK to quit b) he can manipulate you and c) you can't stick to your guns.



A time out isn't supposed to be better. It's an acceptable form of punishment that removes them from the source of the trouble and teaches them that there are consequences to their actions and behavior.

Answer 8

be careful which you do no longer supply her the attention she desires by utilising reacting emotionally or hitting her. do no longer slap her on the hand. The putting her in the corner works ok. the 1st ingredient i decide directly to advise is to grant her interest whilst she is behaving herself- performing accurately. 2d, exchange her environment so she is far less possibly to get into worry. 0.33, get rid of her quietly without giving her interest from any concern undertaking. in basic terms %. her up and positioned her someplace else, the place the undertaking is out of sight. Fourth, you're able to do time-outs. positioned her in a limited area, at the same time with a play pen designed for time-outs. Telling her "no" would not artwork. do no longer draw distinctive interest to the undesirable habit. some babies study that they thank you to get interest is to misbehave. incredibly, she needs to examine that the thank you to get interest is to act suitable. don't get emotional- do no longer slap her- do no longer even consult along with her whilst she misbehaves. a number of those issues in basic terms make stronger the undesirable habit, considering she is getting some form of interest- that is greater appropriate than no interest. pass forward and %. her up and positioned her someplace else or in time-out for a minute or 2. And forget approximately her for a minute or 2. On different activities, whilst she isn't performing out, play along with her- strengthen a sturdy courting then. additionally, make particular she is getting adequate sleep and healthy food. babies in many cases have issues whilst they're drained or hungry. terrific desires to you.

Answer 9

i just have to respond to the one persons answer. but i heard putting them in crib for time out is the worse thing ever... it will make them resent the crib.. his doctor just told me yesterday