How do you stop a 12 month old doing things he shouldn't?

[GiveMeVegemite]

My DS is almost 13 months and seems to think the best game is crawling at full pace up to the TV and then slapping it with both hands. Not only could this wreck the tv, it could be dangerous if it falls. I try saying "no" in a firm voice and moving him, but as soon as I put him down, he is off again. It's driving me crazy. He also likes grabbing the blinds and poking his fingers in the speakers. I am at my wits end chasing him around the lounge room.

I tried putting a blanket over the tv so he couldnt see it, but he just ripped the blanket off and started slapping!

It means he NEVER watches tv cos this just encourages him to attack it even more.....

Any suggestions?

Just keep moving him and saying no. It's exhausting but there's nothing else to do.

Perhaps a playpen? For either him or the TV?

Distraction distraction distraction!!! Not easy, I know...

Is your TV attached to the wall? We bought a 'baby proofing' strap to attach ours. My cousin's wee boy pulled the TV on top of himself and broke his arm.

Just keep taking him away and saying No. It'll sink in eventually....

This too shall pass!

GiveMeVegemite - sounds so fustrating! We've just come back from the first family holiday and 8 month old little one spent all the time on the beach grabbing at pebbles and trying to eat them. He found the pebbles no matter how many towels we put him on!

We gave him lots of "no"s but I think he's too small to pay any attention. Let us know how you get on with your DS.

What a nightmare. I have screwed my TV into the wooden unit, but can understand that this is not a solution for your main problem. I would sit by the TV with favourite/new toy to distract hidden behind me. If he goes to bash the TV take his hands gently but firmly and move them away (just before he bashes if possible) say no in your firm voice then whip out toy to distract. I found lift the flap books good for this type of thing as they can do something with their hands. You can also teach them the word gentle as they lift (and rip off) the flaps - do not spend a lot! Get everyone else in the house to do the same and support you.
If he likes the banging you could do the same but with a drum. Maybe it will mean he takes his need to bang out on something else?
Good luck!

Thanks so much for the replies. I think I am just going to have to create a play-room and contain in in there until he is ready to go to school.... :)

Ok, so distraction, nail it down and/or more of the same.

I swear he thinks it is funny cos he will turn around and look at me with the cheesiest little grin and then start slapping away merrily. He only does it half as much for his dad, but I think his dad probably has more energy for distraction than I do (flu and pregnant!).

Thanks again. I will let you know how he goes....

This too shall pass this too shall pass..... Haha