how to discipline a 16-month-old

[Roshni]

My 16 month old boy keeps hitting me, or kicking me in the face when I change his nappy. I think he thinks it's a game. I keep telling him 'no', and do the 'ouch! mummy hurt!' thing, but he doesn't seem go get it and seems to think this is funny.

Is he too young to try the naughty step? How do I get it through to him that, in the words of supernanny 'this is not asseptabul behaviour'? Or is he too young to understand, and should I just ignore it?

think he's too young for a naughty step!
speak firmly to him saying ' no that hurts mummy' , we don't hit people' etc
but not a naughty step at that age!

Thanks Hana.

I do the firm voice, but he doesn't seem to get it. Does that matter? Should I just carry on and wait for him to eventually get it?

Be very careful that the 'ouch' doesn't amuse him.
I think 16 months is still too young to understand that it hurts you - i would simply instantly ignore him. if you are talking, stop, immediately, say 'no kicking' in a calm low voice, and then do not make eye contact with him for a few seconds. i.e ensure that he loses all your attention if he kicks you.

Thanks Blu. Will try that now.

roshni, why not use pull up nappies, and change your son standing up? there's much less scope for his legs to flail about!

I think with children this young it is all about thinking your way round things rather than instilling 'discipline', as he's not being naughty, just acting completely as nature prompts him!

Hi,

After a firm but gentle "no", I've been ignoring all instances of kicks for the last couple of days now, distracting him with another conversation or a song and ? would you believe it ? seems to be working! He still kicks at nappy change, but nornally he continues after I say no. Now is happily distracted and seems to have forgotten about the kicks.

Still hits, I try the same, and again, seems to distract him.

Thanks for the advice hana, blu, sparklemagic and kayzed. i'm so sleep deprived these days, i just can't seem to think straight and work these things out for myself at the moment.

that sounds good
no more bruises for you!

I second the puu-up suggestion- nappy changes are much easier standing up!

pull up

aaaah, Roshni - glad he is getting the message, well done!
I seem to remember DS had a really exasperating phase of wriggling imposibly and kicking. they go for effect, i think!

Hope you can get some rest soon.

thanks. me too! molars coming through...