Disciplining a 22 month old

[Tups]

Just how do you do it? My 22 month old grand daughter is lovely - of course - and very bright; she's talking in sentences and understands amazing concepts (eg, she says, 'I'm not hot, I'm not cold, I'm warm') but she can't sit still for more than a minute. She is always champing at the bit, wanting to run around and restraining her is very difficult. In really bad moments, in temper, she quickly does all the things she knows she isn't allowed to do in quick succession, such as flapping the vertical blinds, banging the doors, opening cupboards, kicking walls. My daughter is constantly having to stop the car and put her arms back in her car seat and she refuses to have a sleep in the daytime, even though she's extremely tired. She is totally wearing us out. We mentioned it to the doctor and he simply said it's because she's bright! No help at all! We've tried making her sit in a naughty corner until we've counted up to ten but she either refuses to stay there or else loves the situation and counts up to ten with us, cheering when we reach ten! Other than lock her in a cage, which I'm sure some bright spark will suggest, what can we do?

[lozzylou]

it mite sound silly but is she bored? she may have a ll the toys in the world but she may still be bored. when she gets like this can you not just put her in a stroller( if she uses one ) and take her for a walk, rather than shout at her as this gets u knowhere. the fresh air might calm her down. walk to the shop, a stroll round the park and if she is good she can play on the park. as she is clever she may just need more stimulation. although lots of parents ( myself included ) thing that because there kids are playing with there toys that they are happy but this isnt always the case, they may need more time with mom, dad nanny etc who will help them learn through play

[Tups]

Good advice lozzylou. I know my daughter spends a lot of time with her daughter but maybe she should be spending more time showing her new things? I get frustrated that most of her toys are thrown into a box together and not being put back into their constituent parts. I know my daughter often feels too tired to go out but, in the long run, it might end up being less tiring if she can go to new places and show her new things. I'm afraid the toddler isn't very good on reigns - she hates us holding on to them - and she tries to pull away from holding a hand. But we shall persevere!

[tigwig]

Does she get the chance to experience a whole range of toys? Like painting, drawing, playdoh etc? There is so many free or very cheap activities you can provide to a child which will keep them entertained far more than 'normal' toys. Try these;
*filling up small buckets with water and give her a grown up big paintbrush to paint the floor/fence outside
*fill a basket with natural items like wooden spoons, metal pans and utensils, different sized stones
*fill up small plastic bottles with water and glitter or dry pasta etc to make shakers (just make sure the lids are secured)
*trips to the library are free and they often have activities too.
Try and ignore the bad behaviour as much as you can and focus on all the good things she does

[pinktwink]

best to spend time doing things with her. 22 months old dont generally need discipline they need routine and consistency and praise and positive attention. seems like whilst yee are attempting to provide structure with the naughty corner she still seems to be gaining lots of attention when in it .best to use time out and ignore her misbehaviour either by removing yourself or her from the situation. Praise her the times she behaves.most of all take time out for yourself

[morelegend]

failing that take their mobile off them and their nintendo ds .

they will soon start to behave.



d t h ?

[Tups]

Thanks. Some good suggestions there. Not sure I have the pluck to remove her mobile and Nintendo though!!!