So, I'm quite prepared for the parents of older children to roll around on the floor clutching their aching sides in mirth, but the optimist in me says it MUST get easier.
Dd 1 year 11 months old. This afternoon she was an absolute brat. She refused - absolutely refused - to share her toys with the same aged little girl who came around with my friend. She took every opportunity to push this little girl over. She threw things at their baby. With no warning or provocation, she hit my friend on the head .
I know that at this age many people use counting to 5 or naughty step or time out or sticker charts etc, but I genuinely don't believe that she is old enough yet to understand complicated discipline. She doesn't understand saying sorry because she doesn't feel sorry. She quite enjoys the attention she gets when she pushes another child over, even though I keep it as basic and swift as I can without wanting to ignore it. I do tell her what is and isn't acceptable, and I would confiscate a toy used as a weapon for example, but I don't do punishment.
Surely once she's old enough to understand discipline it will be easier?
Step 1: Hit mummy's friend on the head
Step 2: Get hauled out of the room, told in no uncertain terms that hitting is unkind, insert suitable and appropriate punishment, return to room to apologise to mummy's friend.
Step 3: Consider not doing it again.