We have a 2.5 year old who is a lively, energetic boy who has been increasingly pushing boundaries. Have been using a step when he does something such as hit his little sister ( 7 months) and will leave him there for a minute or so before explaining what he's done and then he apologises. I'm not sure how effective it is as a punishment , and us there anything else that I could try at this age? Taking toys away? I am trying as much as possible to just focus on good behaviour and ignore bad ( unless it's dangerous or violent!) but my DH thinks we need tougher discipline as DS doesn't listen to what we say, but surely some of this is just his age? I don't want to take all the joy out of parenting but I know they need boundaries of course...
DH shouts (rarely) when he gets frustrated but he makes DS cry as it can be quite shocking when he loses his temper and I don't think this is a good method of parenting - he says that sometimes it's the only way he will listen but I hate seeing him upset like this.
Sorry for the very waffly post, I guess I'm just after some reassurance that it does improve and some advice for tactics or even a decent book/advice to look up - thank you!