We are quickly finding that we need to come up with a reliable form of discipline for Wesley. He's getting more and more adventurous these days and testing his limits more and more. As of yet he hasn't really needed more than a firm talking to when he does something out of line but over the past few weeks that's changing. He's just not listening when we talk to him anymore. I guess this is something I need to get used to as he grows but for now we need to have some sort of disciplinary action.
There are a few occasions when I've swatted his bottom for something bad he's done. Really the only thing he does that results in a spanking is banging stuff on the windows. He'll pick up some big toy and throw it at the window repeatedly. He gets a firm "NO" and a swat. Unfortunately he finds this funny at the moment. He grins and then walks around swatting his own behind. Obviously not working.
I'm implementing time out for him in the next few weeks. I haven't quite figured out the logistics of it yet. Time out needs to be in a secluded spot in the house, away from all the action. Somewhere that he doesn't get attention and realizes he's getting a punishment. I'm strongly debating bringing down an unused car seat that he'll sit in only for time out. I could even strap him into it if he just doesn't get the drift. Is that wrong?
I hope this works, the kid is getting more and more brazen and needs to understand there is a consequence to his actions.
3 comments:
Go for it, Mandy. If he's like his daddy and the rest of the 2 year olds, he'll test the limits and scare the daylights out of you.
Good luck.
Noni Randi
Good for you for nipping it in the bud now. Time out is a great option. The rule of thumb to remember is one minute for each year of life. Much beyond that and he won't remember why he's sitting there. I would stay away from the seat belt option. If he gets up, put him back; even if you have to do it 15 times. Once he' sitting, then start the timer. Make sure it has a ding or buzzer or something so he knows when it's over. Keep it out of arms reach, but close enough so he can hear it/see it. Time Timer has a great online option that is free and visual so if you want to use it, go to www.timetimer.com It counts backward with a red bar that he can watch. Always make sure you "debrief" after his time is up so he understands what he did. If you just let him up, he won't make the connection. This works better as he gets older, but setting the president now helps with that.
Good luck!
PS-I also have a place you can get those little sand timers too. They're indestructible and great visual timers. Very cheap.
Try the online one first though, that's the one I use in my classroom.
Thanks for the advice. I hope time out works as he's really a handful sometimes, and that's without a newborn in the house. Yikes!
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