when did you start laying down the law to your toddler.....

[mum2sam]

I was going to say punish or discipline but didnt want people to bite head off as i dont mean anything too harsh. My toddlers 22mths now and is very much testing the bounderies with me. Hes having temper tantrums and throwing himself on the floor and puts on a a crying act to get what he wants.

I always praise him when he does things right but am not sure how to handle his tantrums or when he does something naughty. I know its a learning curve for them but sometimes he will alert me to when hes going to do something he shouldnt and then once hes got my attention he will often go ahead and do it even when i say no. Every thing seems like a game and im often not sure whether hes taking me seriously when im telling him off.

At the moment i will come down to his level, pull him towards me and tell him 'no' in a firm voice and that hes being naughty.There have been times when hes done something dangerous like trying to turn the fire/cooker on (i do have a guard)and ive done the same routine but i also give a gentle tap on the hand its not intent to hurt him but to try and enforce what im saying. As sometimes he just laughs and runs away. When did you introduce the naughty chair/step etc or what methods do you have.I suppose im want to know when to you introduce a consequence for their actions is he still too young for that?

I always ignore tantrums. Did this with the older 3 and it worked. Doing it now with the DTs. Seems to be working.... though when they both go at it together it's harder.

Saying no is probably the most ineffective parenting tool that exists

Distraction at this age works extremely well - so he heads off towards the fire and you excitedly swing a book he likes around your head squealing 'book', 'Mummy read book to you'. If you choose the right trigger he should turn round and come straight to you

Remember that what they crave is attention from you - so give it in spadefulls and you shouldn;t have too much of a problem!

Ignore tantrums - completely disassociate yourself - without the audience they are nought

When my 2 year-old has tantrums I either ignore him or start playing with his toys by myself or get the other children involved too. That soon makes him forget his tantrum and want to play with me. I also find singing or dancing or just doing something totally unexpected can turn the situation around. And of course I say "no" like 1500 times a day too.