18mo has started biting, pinching and scratching me. What is the appropriate response?

[MrsSeanBean]

He thinks it's funny and isn't doing it maliciously (if an 18mo understands malice).

No (said lots) isn't working. It hurts and I am getting slighgtly angry.

Mine has been doing this too

ds1 was laughing every time, which is why he continued...now we are all strict, remove implement, and say 'No'

however not sure if you are already doing this,

Yes lots of 'No's said very firmly.

There is no implement involved, he's pinching with his fingers.

Hmm.
I am at a loss then. Distraction is all I can think of,.
I think mind gets cross and wants to hit me to get attention if I seem preoccupied...if I make sure I am doing something exciting with him straight away, or just play a tickling game or something, he often stops. but its hard as you don't want them to think hitting etc is the way to get attention...

Yes, very difficult. I don't want to frighten him by showing him I am angry but it's very difficult, five little teeth sinking into your arm hurts like hell. He's very strong and packs a mean pinch too

DS started with the biting at that age too - I think its a developmental stage. We would get down to his level, hold his hands and tell him "no" firmly and explain to him it hurts mummy/daddy and its not nice to do that. Keep at it - he'll stop soon, as long as he doesnt start thinking its a game...

Hmmm - my dds have gone through this. It comes under the 'horribly normal' category for me

I think your right with the firm 'no'. We also removed dd's from the situation ie if it was me she pinched she would get a firm 'no, that hurts mummy' or whatever, and I would put her down and move away from her.
This would be invariably met with hysteria which I would try to ignore.
Then we would cuddle and start again.

The key, IMHO, is to be consistent, although if memory serves me right it can go on for quite a while.

Dd3 hasn't hit this stage yet (17 months) and I'm not looking forward to it ... lol

i agree my 16 month dd does this and watches carefully for the reaction, i hold her hands and look in her eyes and say 'no, stop' and then show her to stroke my cheek nicely or tickle her or something funny to change the subject so to speak, they'll find someother horrible thing to do soon enough! dd loves to scream at the moment, oh joy