is this normal (or is my child sadistic ) [grin]

[cogitosum]

Ds is 14 months and for the last few weeks has started deliberately hurting me and saying 'ow' whilst looking at me to gauge my reaction. For example he'll twist my nipple, bit or pinch me and always says ow as he does it.

I'm guessing it's a developmental cause and effect thing as he's heard me say ow when he's accidentally hurt me but is it normal? And is he likely to stop of his own accord?

Or any tips on how I can stop him... as anything I do is a reaction so makes him do it more! Also sometimes (particularly with nipple twisting) I can't stop myself from crying out when he does it!

Why would you not want to cry out when he does it? Hes probably wondering why you're not reacting

Personally I would be removing his hand with a firm "No, we don't do that" his behaviour needs correcting or he'll just continue

I don't want to cry out because it makes him laugh so he does it more!

That's pretty much what I do but it hasn't worked yet !

DS did this. I exaggerated my pain reaction. I also put him on the floor away from me. He stopped doing it pretty quickly.

What waitingforme said. I over exaggerate the pain noise etc refused to hold her after and she stopped doing it. She learned that hitting means you become lonely and don't have mummy or daddy playing with you.

Exaggerating the pain makes him do it more as it amuses him! Sometimes it's not possible to put him down but I do when I can and he screams. Sigh