How to discipline a 2 year old....

[Newmums16]

My DD will be 2 in a few weeks. I feel like I’ve done/said everything I can think of to stop her when she’s being naughty/doing something she shouldn’t. For example, if she’s climbing on something, I tell her ‘no’ or not to do it or it’s dangerous etc, I’ve taken her away from it, I’ve said firmly ‘no that’s naughty’, I’ve shouted at her, I’ve tried asking her nicely and I’ve even tried smacking (patting) her bum. She either runs off to do something else only to return to the thing she’s told off for, or she’ll ask for a cuddle or laugh as if she’s got no clue that she’s been told off. She’s not taking me seriously and I don’t know why and I don’t know what else I can do. Please help!

I think her behaviour sounds pretty normal. I'd suggest, in the nicest possible way, that you're over-reacting and maybe expecting too much. It's really frustrating but this is sort of what two year olds do.

If she returns to the thing she's not supposed to be doing, you take her away again. If she keeps doing it, then the consequence is that the thing gets taken away or she needs to go in another room with you, with an explanation of why she can't do XYZ.

I'm not really seeing the problem with coming for a cuddle or even laughing? I think you're looking for a level of contrition that just won't be there with that age.

You might want to try reading something like 'how to talk so little kids with listen', or looking at the website Aha Parenting or Janet Lansbury's blog. I've found all of them v helpful with my toddler.

@rainatnight, thank you for your ‘straight talking’. I hadn’t even considered that I was expecting to much (FTM) of her. Only other child I know is my niece who is a year older so didn’t really have anyone to compare to. Thanks for the advice, I’ll look up the suggestions you’ve given

You're more than welcome. It's hard and I definitely don't get it right all the time!

Just wanted to say, I agree with rainatnight. I’ve gone through this twice. I read somewhere, sorry I can’t remember where so have no links, that at that age they physically haven’t got the part of the brain developed enough for that kind of reasoning. All we can do is train them as best we can, good luck!