'Disciplining' an 17mo

[Pinkjenny]

I hesitated over using the word 'disciplining', but I'm not sure what else to call it.

My ds is 17mo and is very confident and boisterous. He is sunny by nature, and an easy going little chap.

However, he is very, erm, physical with other children. By that I mean he is always poking them and prodding them, and with dd this extends to hitting her on the head with things and rugby tackling her.

And, well, I'm at a loss as to how to deal with it. I tell him 'NO' very firmly, look him in the eye, and he just smiles.

I don't want him to be the kid that others keep their dc away from, and some of my friends are starting to refer to him as naughty.

Any advice?

Read no other posts - because im too lazy .

my 2nd DC is now 17 months. I found/find with both of them at this age, just showing them a gentle approach seems to work eventually.

So say he goes over and starts slapping someones head, just go over and say ahh ahh, gentle and show gentle strokes and take his hand and do it followed by a big, "clever boy, thats it", smiling and clapping your hands when he does it too. They soon learn from that.
They don't seem like they aim to please but they really do. They like to impress you so make the most of it as it doesn't last!

My DD toddled over to a girl the same age in a cafe this week and cuddled her saying awww. The other toddler just started hitting her in the face and my DD thought it was hilarious .
They just learn by example so vamp up all the 'awww look, baby/doggy/cat and show him you being gentle and stroking etc.

My DS is still very gentle - unless someone messes with his little sister then he head butts them in the middle of a softplay

hangs head in shame

Yes, Playful Parenting is a really helpful book IMO.

Brilliant advice, and I have a copy of Playful Parenting around somewhere...

Thanks all.