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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Is taking toys away acceptable discipline?

128 replies

Nespressso · 29/12/2024 16:51

I’m going to preface this by saying I HAVE READ THE FOLLOWING:
how to talk so kids will listen
explosive child
janet lansbury
big little feelings/ transforming toddlerhood/ dr Becky goodonside etc on insta
sensitive child

so please don’t just say “have you tried offering choices or making it a game?” I have tried all of this, and found none of it works on my 4yo, who is just fucking difficult. I’m not a useless parent as my other child is not at all like this, and is much easier to manage.

basically I’ve tried all of the above books and have come back full circle to maybe she needs stricter discipline as everything we have tried so far has not worked. However everyone now says parents shouldn’t do time outs or remove toys, so what on earth am I allowed to do? We aren’t allowed to shout, so what on earth do you do with a child where all the soft stuff DOESNT WORK

problems mainly with playing up (refusing, whining, writhing about) when asked to do ANYTHING, so mainly transitions and initiating tasks (eg go and wash hands, get your socks on, etc) we already do
all the prep work for transitions (eg daily routine, warnings for time (5 mins, 1 min etc) picture chart routines. Tried it all. What do we do when she still messed about? What sanction / punishment for bad behaviour?

we do all the scaffolding, rewards, validating feelings, etc etc and it’s all carrot and no stick. What metaphorical stick do people actually use? (Obviously I’m not suggesting physical punishment) but I am lost. I have tried all the good stuff and hard work and it’s not helped one bit. But I feel the minute anyone suggests putting their child into time out they are told it’s abusive etc but I’m at a loss with where to go. She doesn’t respond like my other child who is just generally more amenable and easier to manage.

OP posts:
Legaleagle4 · 29/12/2024 17:03

And age

Legaleagle4 · 29/12/2024 17:02

Op you've said what you do but not the actual behaviour

mikado1 · 29/12/2024 16:57

I'd just work through each situation as it comes rather than going to a punishment tbh. Plenty of praise when doing the right thing and choice is you can do it or I will help you for putting on shoes etc. By sounds of your dc, she wouldn't "appreciate' having her toy taken and suddenly behave nicely.. you'll know if this sounds right!
Obviously if she's throwing a toy etc then yes, I'd take the toy.

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