To think there is nothing more I can do?

[catus]

Hello to all;
This is the situation: I don't seem to be able to make my 21 months old DS obey me, not even a little bit.
If I don't physically make him do something that needs to be done (like going up the three flights of stairs to our appartment) , or physically stop him from doing something (like turning the gas on) he will just carry on with total disregard for me and my stern voice/face. I feel like there is nothing more I can do.
Sometimes, I wish he was older so I could use some discipline, which I find really sad. But at his age, I just don't know what else I could do.
I realise this is not very exciting and not strictly speaking an AIBU, but if someone, anyone has some tips on this, please help.

I've found you just have to keep repeating, explains and removing over and over and over again until it finally sinks in. My ds was very much like this, but he has got a lot better in the last 3 or 4 months. (2 yrs 6 months). I feel your pain though.

*explaining

Thank you! I'll just have to be patient then... sigh...

My son is 27 months & if he ignored me when I told him no I would put him in his cot for a couple of minutes. He does take a bit more notice now but not always obviously!

The putting in the cot seems like a good idea. It never crossed my mind, but I'll definitely try it tomorrow. Thanks!

I think 21 months is old enough to start disciplining. When DD was in full time nursery, they would put her in a high chair if she did something wrong at that age for 1 minute. I followed this through at home, and it seemed to work. But it did take time.

Thank you rainydays. I didn't realise disciplining could work at this age but maybe it would? I guess I forget he is not really a baby anymore.