A pinching 14 month old!!

[tickle]

Hi all!
I guess this is not a major issue but I would like ANYONES ideas to nip it in the bud asap!!
My son walks up to me and where ever he can find bear skin pinches me. He doesn't just pinch he digs his little nails in pinches and twists :eek: !! It really really hurts. I know he is looking for a reaction and I have tried everything to stop him, from saying no! To walking away without saying anything (no reaction) and he thinks it is fun to chase me down. It is just a big game to him but I would love for him to stop it.
My new tactic is to try to encourage him to give kisses instead, it worked the first time but now has gone back to the pinching.
It is so embarrasing, in public he will lift my shirt up (if I'm not paying attention) and pinches me on my belly (maybe because there is lots of fun cuddly layer for him :rolleyes: ). People must think we are very strange.

Thanks

Ellen
Oliver 14 months
edd 7/5/06

[rynosmum]

Hi Ellen,

I read your post last night and have been racking my brain on this one. There was a program not so long ago about a little one who used to bite his mummy all of the time, whenever and wherever - I think it was Dr Phil.

They had tried yelling, smacking, pretending to cry as it hurt etc etc.

The advice was for both parents to redirect the behaviour wherever possible (which was difficult as sometimes they didn't realise he was about to do it). So the mother would wait until he was about to do it, and then redirect his attention to a toy or food or something else without focusing on the naughty behaviour. I recall that he was over it within a few weeks although I don't know whether or not he just grew out of it or the treatment was effective - it sounds like you've got a tough one here.

Not sure if I've helped or not but I thought I'd best pass the info on !

Good Luck !

[tickle]

Thanks for responding.
I have just noticed that he only really does it when he is starting to get tired and goes a little loopy (as they do). I saw that Dr Phil too and took his mind off it by reading him Hairy Maclary (a much nicer, quieter activity). Seems to be working so far.
Thanks again

[ladybugsmum]

I have to agree. The method is redirecting. No reaction if possible. I have a 14month old. She used to do that when she was 10 or 11 months fingernails and all. I am glad to hear it's working out for you.

[tickle]

Hi there,
Thanks for responding!
O stopped his pinching pretty quickly, thank goodness!!
He is now an angel child. ;)