Toddler spitting

My grandson who is going to be 3 in July has begun to spit on people.  This includes everyone - parents, grandparents, teachers in the playgroup he attends 2 days a week and the other children in the playgroup.  When he is punished, he promises not to do it again and 15 min. later he's spitting again.  Any solutions?

[Kevin Kennedy, Ph.D.]

The solution is fairly straightforward. Let him know this is not allowed, and that he will be placed in time out immediately on the occasion of any spitting. Then, if he does spit,  follow through by having him sit in an adult-size chair for ten minutes. Use a timer to track the time, and start the timer when he is in the chair sitting quietly. At the conclusion of the time out, ask him what got him in time out. When he says he spit at someone, reiterate that this is not allowed. He is expected to treat people nicely.