Time out for Toddler tantrums?

[oasis]

My DD is gradually asserting her growing independance and with that I have noticed an increase in tantrums over the past few weeks. Not being able to change a dirty nappy is my current regular battle. I have tried talking, bribing and just leaving it for a while. Friends are suggesting a form of time out or naughty step, but I am still not convinced by these methods for a 21 month old and also how would I get her to sit still for a minute and half without that becoming a huge battle? Also I think that once a time out method is implemented it appears to be overused and I assume gradually ineffective?

I disagree - if used every single time a tantrum started or a request was disobeyed it only took ds a couple of goes to realise that it was easier to just have his nappy changed. So it becomes something you do less and works better.

At 21 months I would still put him into his cot -he couldn't (or wouldn't) climb out. If there were toys in there I would move them out.

A couple of times he went to sleep - so he was tantruming because he was tired, and he will still misbehave if tired - but now it's deliberate so that we will put him in his room!

I agree with threebob, timeout works once they realise you mean it and will carry it through. My dd always hated time out as she thought she was missing out on something.

Oh, and never threaten time out - do it after the event, immediately and without comment. When you get to the location just quietly say "you are here because you xxxx", and leave them.