Libby was absolutely wired yesterday. A baby on the edge. She spent the day and evening emptying everything she could open, throwing things, hitting, just being a naughty girl. Last night a little after 7 was the last straw. John and I had discussed discipline methods before, and what reading we had done confirmed that she is not old enough for time out (doesn't take a genious to figure that one out!). So we have been doing what her pediatrician in NC told us to do over a year ago. Basically, get her in a straightjacket hold and keep her there until she is thoroughly TO'd, explain to her why her behavior was unacceptable, then redirect her to something else. That used to work real well. Now it doesn't. A few times I've swatted her bum or popped her on the hand. She either laughs or turns around and pops me back. So capital punishment is out too :) Not knowing what else to do last night, I told her that if she hit me one more time she would be sent straight to bed. She hit, and she went to bed. No changing into PJ's, no Baby Einstein, no Flinstones vitamin, no story, no singing. I just plopped her in bed, turned out the light and said "Good night" an hour earlier than usual. Then I walked out to the living room and asked John "was that OK?" He looked at me with wide eyes and said "I don't know!"
So far today she is her normal energetic self, but not crazy yet. No more cinnamon rolls for breakfast, that's for sure!
So tell me, what are your discipline methods for your toddlers? What worked for you and what didn't?
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I hope some people will comment. I can always use some creative ideas about what worked or didn't. With Elise, most of what we did was talk to her about what she did wrong. She wasn't a hitter, a biter or a lot of those other things that cause problems. She was so easy-going that we got really spoiled. For her, it mostly just takes talking to her and explaining why something is inappropriate or what should be done instead. She's so receptive to that. Ian is the same way--time-out and then a "talking to" or hopefully a "talking with" about what happened. Merry Grace is our pill. She does the laughing, shaking her head or saying "no", and acting completely indifferent, rebellious, or overcome with hilarity. We put her in her crib for a couple of minutes, but only for the things we deem "serious". (Spitting and hitting) Basically, we give her a warning, "Merry Grace, no hitting. Tell Ian you're sorry for hitting him." Then we let her know that if she hits him again, she will end up in the crib. She does NOT want to end up there, so usually she stops. But not always. :) I hope we'll hear some good ideas from others!!!!
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