Toddler drawing on wall advice.

[astragirl]

2.11 yr old DS scribbled on his bedroom wall this afternoon with a coin. We think he's done this due to not wanting an afternoon nap and did it in protest, even though he did nap. We didn't say anything when we saw it but he pointed it out to me just now and I didn't know what to say in response as i didn't want to get cross with him just before bedtime.

What would be an appropriate consequence? If we or he repaint the wall that's fun, if we don't then he gets to remind us everyday of the damage he's done. Would appreciate anyones input

IMHO you needed to tell DS that this is naughty, and why, at the time he does it.

DS (3.5) drew on the wall this afternoon. I explained why it was naughty and what happens when he does it: Crayons back in the box and a time out.

MistleToad = vile parent

At that age? Prevention as much as possible. Although if he's getting creative with coins then it's much harder than a case of simply removing all the crayons.

I think though, that consequences have to be here and now at that age. I don't think they can truly link what they did yesterday or the day before with something happening now. iyswim.

I really doubt that a child who's not yet 3 is going to remind you daily of the damage he's done if he gets no reaction at all. He'll soon get fed up / forget about it.

I must say though, that I (being a mean old mum ) wouldn't have a problem with cross before bedtime if that was when I found out, that would be when he was told off!

Consequences for that age? removal of a toy they really love?

best to deal with the issue when it happened but you don't have to get cross. calmly get him to wipe the wall with a wet wipe and briefly talk to him about why he shouldn't scribble on walls and why. If he does it again remove toys or use time out maybe?