My son is 19 months old. He has just entered the terrible two's?

Question

How do I disipline a boy who is this young?

Answer 1

Even a child as young as 12 months can begin to understand right from wrong with a little guidance and gentle discipline.

Let's say it's time to get ready for bed and he says no and hits you, your response should be something like, "No hitting, it hurts!" in a firm (not loud) voice. Then pick him up and move him to a designated time-out spot and sit him down. Look him in the eye and tell him "You have a time-out for hitting" then let him sit there for 1 minute. Keep the explanations short and to the point, he may not "get it" right away but with consistency he will. When the minute is up tell him it's time to go get ready for bed now, repeat as necessary.

The sooner you start this the more effective it will be. Young children pick up on things very quickly, and it's best for them to pick up on the good not the bad, so the earlier you can squash the negatives the better :)

The key is to remain calm, if he sees that his behavior is getting you worked up and giving him attention he'll just keep at it. So stay cool, and ignore his behaviors while he is in the time-out, just be sure he stays there, but if he's throwing a fit, just ignore it. If you give him the attention he is seeking you'll just compound the problem. Be sure to praise him lavishly for good behaviors.

Answer 2

He understands "No". Try a time out in a special place in the house (where you can see him).

I used a chair facing the wall and made the time outs short.

You might look at the old Spock baby book. I found it very helpful