2 year old laughing at discipline

[dannal]

We have a 2 year old girl who is intelligent and happy who has an 11yo brother, 9yo sister and 4 month old brother.  Three nights ago she had half a glass of raspberry cordial and all this changed.  It was almost bed time but she started running around like a wind up mouse and when we tried to discipline her she started to laugh and cry.  She didn't know whether to laugh or cry and could not be settled for over an hour.  We use the timeout discipline method with the occasional smack for very bad stuff.  These methods had absolutely no effect during this time and we had to simply ride out the storm.

Tonight we had dinner as usual without knowingly adding anything different to what she usually eats.  At bed time she began to act up and would not stay in her naughty spot.  After a while she would just start laughing and keep disobeying us.  We are pretty tough parents and have never given in to tantrums, pestering or pressure.

Both our older two children had similar behaviour to this but not as bad.  We are really hoping to get an idea of whether her behavioural issues are either due to our parenting and discipline methods, dietary triggers, something else or a combination of some or all.

Any suggestions or ideas would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks.

[RockRose]

A raspberry cordial?

[dannal]

Thanks for you comments.  We think we have narrowed down what was wrong with our daughter for the last week.  Besides the red cordial the first time, she has got a nasty cold.  It didn't really manifest the way most of them do and came on slowly.  She has a temperature, aching and is all blocked up.  We didn't pick it up very quickly because she hasn't been coughing or saying much.  We have got her on some decongestant, paracetamol and plenty of sleep.  She does have her moments still but at least for now she seems manageable until she is well again.

Thanks.

[tiredbuthappy]

sounds like most of the problems arise after dinner? if so, it's time to take a look at her routine. children often get hyper and rowdy when over-tired. you can either try an earlier bedtime, or you can change the types of activities you do together after bedtime. some kids need active activities to get the last of their energy out. others need quieter, more soothing activities. what is your routine after dinner? you may need to do something transitional. for example, a calm family walk with her in the stroller, family storytime, bath, story, bed, etc...if a sound routine is established, it often doesn't occur to a child to break it.  this of course requires consistancy and cooperation from all family members.

[margypops]

Perhaps Punishment for running round and laughing is too harsh, if she was having some fun was, that not okay, Maybe she is trying to get some attention and found acting out works, do the other children do the same and she is copying, ,reading your Post it does sound as if could be a Parent /Interaction Issue. Has she got a lot of energy that she needs to get out of her system ,are there games and plenty activitys. Have more Fun with her and less of a punishment ,she is only 2 years old.