Poking people in the eye

[ShinyShow]

My DS, 3, has started doing this after witnessing a very naughty boy doing it at preschool (and quite possibly getting away with it). All attempts to confront this behaviour have so far been unsuccessful. Fortunately he is only doing it with family members but already Mum and DD have sore eyes as a result and I shudder to think what might happen, having a friend who lost an eye when playing with her sister age 9.

What attempts have you made?

Have you tried withdrawing cuddles/kisses, etc., any situation where a face is within reach of his finger. If he says to you, 'Can I have a kiss/cuddle', you could just shrug sadly and say you don't want your eye to get hurt, so you won't be able to.

I've tried all sorts of things, unfortunately he does the poking with objects, such as a toy car (which was then confiscated) and a book (bit harder to take all these away).

what do you do though?

and are you consistent (I always get worried when people say 'I've tried all sorts of things')

is he verbal?

I've tried the naughty step, withdrawing treats, even set Grandma on him for a proper telling off (she scares me, can't imagine what effect she has on children). Reaction is he looks away, smiles, says nothing, which isn't encouraging. He's a good boy otherwise, believe it or not!

Phew, I don't know. It's a difficult one. It's obviously just a phase, but as you say, you don't want anyone to lose an eye while he's going through it.

I would take the hard line. Keep doing what you're doing, but brook no argument. Confiscate everything he pokes, including books. And use the same sentence ... 'I'm taking it because you're poking it.'

Sorry .. not much help, but consistency is probably the key.

Sharp, firm 'NO'

immediate removal to step for 3 minute time out

and explain to him (not when he's emotional) that it hurts people, and he doesn't want to hurt people because that's not nice

really think consistency is key

I like to think we're doing all those things but thank you for the support, it's good to know I haven't missed anything obvious!