how do I stop my 3 year old from pushing the chairs into the kitchen to get on the counters?

Question

this habit is driving me absolutely crazy.

I don't want to "beat" my child either. That is not a necessary nor appropriate answer to give.

Answer 1

glue the chairs to the floor.

Answer 2

I put the chairs up on the table, if i have people over i put a gate up to the kitchen (however he learned to climb over it right away lol)..when doing dishes he would always grab the chair and bring it to the counters and i kept on taking him down and putting the chair back to were it belongs. Now he really has no interest in the counter other then when im doing dishes.

Answer 3

First, recognize how intelligent your little one is.....this is just a prelude. My 3 yr old was able to lock me out on the deck with the top deadbolt while i fed the dogs...when he was two! And, listen to me thru the door and unlock it(Thank God!) Anyway, gates are inexpensive....I use them at both entrances to the kitchen cause we don't have doors there. You might try a reward.....when you see him hefting the chair......say something like"honey, if you will sit in that chair at the table, I will let you color for 5 minutes...." or something. If you are busy , and you don't have a safe place to let him play unattended.....the old high chair works..just give him something safe to play with. Thats how I get to wash my hair. Good Luck!

Answer 4

Bottom line is he/she is trying to be more independent. After all at 3 he/she is a big boy/gril now! If you don't want them on the counter, don't put any rewards up in the top cupboard. Put some ceral and fruit snacks in a cupboard they can reach. Or get a child friendly step stool so they can get to whatever it is they need.
Seriously, choose your battels wisely. There are a million more comming along. This may not be such a huge deal afterall.

Answer 5

LOL. I have the exact same scenario at my house. He's going to do it no matter how much you tell him not to. My husband and I actually tied the chairs to the table legs with some nylon cord, but he just found other, more dangerous things to climb on. I don't think there's much you can do but watch him closely so he doesn't get hurt and wait for him to grow out of it.

Answer 6

You don't explain why the child is doing this. My son did it constantly very early in the morning because he was hungry. I started leaving a sandwich and a juice in the fridge for him (that he could reach), so he no longer needed to climb up on the counter to look for food. In short, find the motivation for the behaviour and remove it.

Answer 7

tell them firmly, "no." if they don't listen, punish them. you need to get across that they should listen to you and that there are consequences for not following the rules. ETA: you CAN punish a child without "beating" it.

you may think just cause they're 3 they don't understand, but that is NOT true. kids are great at figuring out what they can get away with, and how, and who will make them mind and who won't.

Answer 8

I have the same problem with my 17 month old. At 3, consistency is the key. You have to be firm, say "NO" and explain that he/she could get seriously hurt.

Answer 9

i'm sure he has some business in your counter - i mean he is attracted to something there like candy jars, cookies, etc.
try to keep those things & he might lose his interest in doing it again.
also keep things that could harm him. cause no matter hard you try im sure he'll keep on doing that.
but still try to talk to him & make a policy / deal w/ him.
well, if these wont work, you need nanny mc phee, like i do..

Answer 10

Tie/chain the chair legs to the table

Answer 11

Put locks on the cabinets. Then there is no reward for getting up there.

I was horrible about this as a child, glad those locks weren't invented yet.