At my wit's end

[JEP88]

I hope someone can help me as I just dont know where to turn. My DD has turned into such a bundle of rage that I am having trouble liking her at the moment. ( I love her with all my heart)

She is nearly 18mths old and when she doesnt get her own way she will scratch or punch whoever maybe near which is either myself or my partner. She had a great aim today and punched my partner in the eye and I wouldn't be surprised if he ends up with a black eye.

I just dont know how to discipline her. Smacking is never an option but she just cant keep doing it. Many of my friends have told me that she will grow out of it but that doesnt really help me at the moment.

Any help would be appreciated.

[FourAngelKisses]

Try using the naughty corner/cushion/step/whatever with her. I started using this on Matthew when he was 15mths old and within a week it had worked. 12mths on, he is an angel 99% of the time. :hugs: to you

[Elfin]

I can really sympathise as I have a 3 yo dd that can be quite agressive. I think for quite a few little ones it is common due to language frustration, they just can't communicate their needs and get angry.

Quite a few of us at bubhub have had success with cutting out preservative 282 from their diet. I know it helped my daughter a lot. This is found in breads, crumpets, engish muffins and refridgerated pasta. It doesn't work for every child but some it helps a lot and it is easy to cut out. I found it took about a week to work. I am also trying fish oil at the moment too but we have been taking them for about 3 weeks now and I haven't yet noticed a huge behaviour improvement.

At that age time out doesn't really work , well it didn't for me, so you could also try destraction and diversion techniques.

Try the 282 elimination as it may work. Good luck:)

[veve]

try to incorporate something postive too (as well as a thinking corner etc) .. my mum used a sticker chart with us as kids (and I use them in the classroom too)

- 10 stickers = a reward (food choices... toys.. outings etc) - the cool thing is that SHE can help colour or design her sticker chart (best if laminated?? otherwise you have to re do it every 10 stickers) - the stickers can then usually be peeled off and put in a special book after the reward time.

that way you can IMMEDIATELY reinforce good behaviours (sharing... following instructions .. not getting upset at others etc) - I find in the classroom the reward system is WAAY more effective than a negative system ..

xx
Jen