How do I start disipline on a 1 year old?

Question

he seems to know what I mean when I say NO!, but he just goes back and keeps doing it over and over, no matter how many times I say no. He just cries for a second and keeps on. What are some good tactics that I can use to teach him what is acceptable and what is not. Now I know a baby will be a baby, I mean stuff like spitting food all over the place, climbing on certain things, hitting people, etc. any help is appreciated!

Answer 1

Time out seems to help a little, although I am philosophically opposed to using force and punishment, the alternative is too time consuming. For all the things you mentioned, simply manipulating the environment should help. If he spits food, then dinner is over. If he climbs on things then move those things where he can't go (gates), or put him in his play pen or safe play area. If he hits people, put him in his play pen.

Answer 2

I have a 3-year-old and a 22-month-old, so I feel your frustration when they know what you mean, but just seem to not be listening.

One thing to remember is that little ones act so much on impulse. So even if he knows that he's not supposed to do something, sometimes he just can't help himself. The temptation is simply too great.

Some things that have worked for my girls are...

-- Don't just say "no," but remove him from the situation as well. A friend of mine says that toddlers are in the "get off your butt" stage of parenting because they're so active, but not old enough to always listen to what you say. You have to physically move them and show them what they can and can't do.

-- Try to distract him before he gets to whatever you don't want him to do.

-- Speak in positive terms whenever possible. Obviously, getting close to the street or a hot stove might warrant a loud "NO!", but if he's smacking you in the face, you might say, "Can you touch gently?" instead. Then, take his hand, and show him how to touch gently. A friend of mine who's had early childhood education training said that they were taught to say things like, "Walk, please," rather than "Don't run!" It was more effective.

-- Along the same lines, always try to show him what he *is* allowed to do rather than just telling him what he can't do. If he hits the wall with his toy hammer, you might say, "No, we can't hit the wall with that, but you can pound on this block." Or, "You can't climb on the table, but we can climb on the couch or go out to the playground."

-- If an undesirable behavior persists after you've tried redirection again and again, it might be time to completely remove him from the scene. If he's spitting out every bite of food at a meal, then he must not be hungry, so the meal is over. If he keeps playing with the computer cords, move to a different room. If he continues to throw sand at the playground, either move away from the sandbox or leave the playground. It doesn't have to mean -- just matter-of-fact and it's over.

I personally think that hitting a child (even a pop on the hand) only teaches them to hit. I have made the mistake of giving my girls a swat or two occasionally, and it has definitely resulted in them getting more physical with me and each other. It's definitely not worth it, IMO, even if it works in the short term.

Good luck to you!

Answer 3

You can start by telling him what you expect of him in simple terms, "put the book down" works better than don't rip that! n Redirecting your child is another way to start disapline. if he goes for something he shouldn't, come from behind and say here's a truck (toy, Whatever) that's ok for you to play with and move him to an area where he's away from the temptation. Alos do your self a favor and remove precious things you don't wnat him to get. Some times he willtantum, hold him tellheim why he cant do what it is , andput him in time out. Good luck! I've been teaching Preschoolers for 20 years and it's always hard to reprimand your own. Try not to spank or use force . Write to me and He can talk specifics if you like.Linda@[e-mail]

Answer 4

Start making him sit in time out. Hitting him is not a good idea as he will think when he is not getting what he wants all he has to do is hit. You will have to sit there with him and make him stay there. It will take some time but soon he will understand if he does something wrong he gets in trouble. Since he is 1 make him sit for 1 minute in time out everytime he does something wrong. Create a time out place for him. They say to make a child sit one minute for every year they are old. Also a minute will seem like a long time to a 1year old. Another idea would be to with hold treats from him when he is not good. Such as cookies or snacks that you know he loves. It will be hard when he cries for a snack and you have to say no but you must stick to your decision or he will think okay when I cry she will give me my way. Good luck. Dealing with a 3 year old is no picnic either so I feel your pain.

Answer 5

I'm having the same trouble with my 1 year old daughter. I think it's just too early to really expect them to obey. One thing you should do though is talk to them how you would want to be talked to. Start down this path and you can discipline a child effectively w/o having a hugely adversarial relationship.

My daycare lady practises this and is so calm and is so effective in keeping all those kids under control. She practises a lot of ignoring fits and time outs. She always says please when she asks one of the kids to do something.

Always remember that in everything you do, you're a role model for your kids.

Answer 6

I would suggest any time he acts up, pick a spot in the house away from anything he may want or can see (time out or naughty chair spot) and explain to him what it is and when you plan to use it (he understands more than you think). When he acts up, tell him no he's not supposed to do that and sit him down and basically ignore him, when he throws a fit don't yell don't give any reaction, stay calm and have a calm voice and if he gets up, swat him one time (enough to phase him) sit him back down in the chair and tell him no do not get up or it's gonna take longer. keep repeating this, he will get sick of it and start listening

Answer 7

I learned in psychology that positive reinforcement is the most effective way to discipline a child. Simply tell him that if he obeys you, he gets a cookie or something that he likes, however if he disobeys, that he will no longer get his prize.
If that doesn't work, try good ol' spanking (that's what my mom did and I turned out fine *twitch* *twitch*). I think that overall a child's behaviour is influenced by household strong beliefs, morals, but overall good examples.

Answer 8

Start off with some push ups every time he is out of line.
Then give him a tooth brush and make him scrub the bathroom floor.
If he keeps hitting people, call the police.

He sounds dangerous.

Babies will be babies

Answer 9

I would like to know also. My son is 11 months old and will not listen. He went after the outlet the other night and tried to pull out the covers, my husband told him no on 5 occasions and he kept doing it. My husband spanked his hand and he still did it. What I have done and some parents might not agree w/ me is... I put him in his playpen. I give him 3 minutes then take him out.

I totally feel your pain.

Answer 10

No is good, and if he or she does it anyway go grab them and let them know it's not okay. My son is 17 months and if I say "No" he knows not to do it, and I haven't ever slapped or hit him, but he's a relatively good child, it may be more difficult for some temperments.