I don't know if it is the fact that he is #3, that is is more of a "typical" boy than Micah EVER was, that I now work two part time jobs, that I have two other kids in school, that I am just forgetting what it was like to raise a toddler... but man Silas is turning out to be my most challenging child yet. I feel like I am constantly telling him "no", pulling him down from whatever object he is climbing on (I have never really had a climber), taking something that belongs to the other kids out of his hands, telling him to stop hitting or pinching or biting (I thought we had the last one covered but he started back up two days ago) picking up something he has destroyed... the list goes on. I guess it is just hitting me today... instead of enjoying the time I have alone with him during the day, I am dreading the resulting exhaustion and total destruction of our home. Don't get me wrong, I LOVE this little guy to no end... he gives the BEST cuddles, kisses me whenever he thinks I am sad, loves to sit and read with me and so on... but right now... the negative is seemingly taken over much of my thought process. In just a few hours of being home today, he has shredded the newspaper, figured out how to use a stool to get at the desktop computer (HE LOVES electronics), dumped a puzzle, squirted all of his juice out of his sippy cup, threw breakfast (that wasn't part of this hour) and then lunch all over the floor, grabbed my laptop when I went to answer the phone, climbed on the couch to grab the tv remotes that we have up high (to keep them from him) and more. Yes, I am watching him... I am almost always in the same room as he. The times I leave he usually follows me or sits and cries. I know he is at a hard age but I guess I just needed to vent my frustration and ask what has worked for any of you with an active toddler? I know... I would have thought I would have this all figured out by child #3 but I have used all the tricks in my bag from the other two.
(and just for reference... he is too young for timeout (though we have sat him on the couch with us for a minute) and we really don't approve of spanking (thought he does get a gentle pat on the hand and a stern "no" when he takes something he shouldn't, hits, bites...) Any suggestions before I loose my mind?
(and just for reference... he is too young for timeout (though we have sat him on the couch with us for a minute) and we really don't approve of spanking (thought he does get a gentle pat on the hand and a stern "no" when he takes something he shouldn't, hits, bites...) Any suggestions before I loose my mind?
11:16 PM
I read in a parenting book (written by a pediatrician) that parents need to handle inappropriate behavior with consistnecy to see the best results. She suggested picking your child up, without talking to him, and removing him to a boring place, like a corner or a spot where nothing is going on. Then remove your attention by walking away. Of course, you can still keep and eye on him, and if he follows you, that's ok. After a minute or so, you go back and say what you didn't like. Then play with him again. The goal is that after a while, he will connect his negative behavior to a consequence (not getting attention from you). I'm not sure if it will work, but it may be worth a try. I think I still have the book, too. You're more than welcome to borrow it.
5:16 AM
We've been putting Molly in timeout lately like Kurt/Carla suggested. She doesn't stay for more than a few seconds, but it does remove her from the situation and distract her from the innappropriate behavior. She's also watched Jack be put in time out and tries to keep him company. I think 18 months is a difficult age because they are mobile and able to be bad, but not quite understanding of consequences. However, they do understand being ignored by Mommy while in timeout and that feels like a consequence to them, so that is the route we are taking with Molly right now.