14mths - how 2 discipline???

[annsam]

Ok I need some guidance. How on earth do you discipline a 14 month old?? It seems like Ive tried everything. Saying "no", using distraction, moving him, etc but he still pulls power cords out of walls then sucks on them and he still hits the dog in the face and he still bangs blocks on the coffee table and all the while he looks at me with this mighty grin because he knows hes not supposed to be doing what hes doing. In fact, if I pay any attention to it, it makes him more determined and its not like hes an attention deprived little man.

Any suggestions???
Thanks!

[Chickadee]

First, try to block off his access to the power cords and outlets. Time to move some furniture.

My DD tests me like that too sometimes and has from a young age, looking directly at me to see how I'll react when she deliberately does what I've told her not to. Sometimes the tone of voice makes a difference. When all else fails I use my BIG voice. Not loud, but very very serious and low pitched, almost growly. I copy her dad who unintentionally made her cry one day when he used his big voice to tell her no about something, lol. He felt horrible for making her cry, but the serious growly voice works. She knows I mean business, but you'll maybe need to convince your little man and be ready to carry through with some action to enforce it. I don't know what that would be though, sorry.

Good luck.

[annsam]

Thanks Martha. Unfortunately my BIG voice doesn't work. DH uses it when playing with DS and he loves it. Laughs and laughs so he thinkings Im doing the same. :rolleyes:

Appreciate your suggestion though.

[Chickadee]

Grrrr at your DH!!! I'm out of ideas. Hope someone else checks in and can give you some help. Helloooooo Anyone out there??!!!

[rynosmum]

Heelllloooo !! I am here. Not sure if it will help but my 17mo is generally pretty good so here's what we do.

I also use the big voice like Martha. If he touches the powerpoint, I say 'no touching' in a nice voice. If we're out, this is generally enough. But if at home, he might look at me again and do it so I get up, go to him, crouch in front of him and say ' Mummy said no touching'. He will generally stop by now but sometimes will persist, like this morning. I would use my big voice now and whilst still crouching in front and looking him in the eyes, would say "No!", then each time he tried,I would push his hand away and say 'No'. After about 25,000 tries, he would just point at it, I would say No (in my Mummy voice) but not touch his hand. By the end, he also shook his head, said no and walked away to do something more fun. Some tears were shed but he learnt...until next time..... :D

I've found that I have to be consistent. If I start it but don't follow through, he will try it all the time like a game. We went to my FIL and SMIL's house the other day and they have low open shelves of glassware (Why ? :confused: ). He ran straight to it, I crouched down, looked him in the eye, pointed at the shelves and gently said 'No Touching' - he didn't go near it again for the entire afternoon.

Hope this helps ! :D

[annsam]

Hmmmm you might be onto something there...... perhaps Im not consistant enough........

Thank you both for your ideas. I will have to watch my consistancy and see if that is part of the issue.......I think Im fairly consistant but sometimes I must admitt, I do let it slide. :(

Thanks both!!

[TwoBlue]

Your DS sounds so like mine at the same age !!

with the power points /cords etc... I would have them hidden away or try a distraction technique, my favourite is called the "mummy singing silly song in loud opera voice" :p always works a treat DS still thinks its hilarious !!

Also the firm grip on both arms, looking them straight in the eye and saying in a low and serious but not loud voice something like "you must not touch, mummy is very upset when you touch these, they are very dangerous...ouch " and lots of praise when he leaves them alone.

Goodluck :)