Is there a way to "discipline" a 15 month old?

[GNicole]

My mother is driving me crazy because she thinks that my daughter needs a time-out when she is being "bad". Is it possible to put a 15 month old in time-out? I don't think that she will understand. My mom said I should make her sit in a chair for a couple minutes. She does seem to know when she is doing something bad for example: dumpimg the dog's water dish all over the floor, going up the stairs by herself, banging the gate into the wall. She will say no no and shake her finger when she does these things (that is what I tell her when she does these things). The other night she spilled the dog's water and I reprimanded her and cleaned it up. One minute later she went back and did it again so I gently swatted her butt. She could of cared less and did it again. I don't want my child to end up being "the bratty child". She is very strong willed and has a little temper already. Any help would be greatly appreciated! Thank you ladies!

[cantwait4baby]

Hey, sounds like Avery lives in my house.  I will sit Eva on my lap and hold her arms so she cannot touch anything for a couple of minutes.  She hates that and cries or yells during this process but I am not sure if she is relating it to what she has done?  I am always moving her hands and saying no and she just still does it.  Once I lost my patience and carried her upstairs put her in her room and shut the door.  After she made a mess with her bookshelf, she started to cry and I let her for about 10 mintues.  Then I went back to get her but still I dont think she knew she was being punished.  That was more of a I need a break of Eva being bad 10 minutes.  She is starting to listen a little more.  She will not go up the steps if I tell her no but she will if my dad is there.  She walks all over him and he lets her do what she wants (first grandchild).  she started shaking her head no and that is how she responds to everything.

Let me know how it works out.  I dont think the chair will work but who knows :)  Good Luck.

[GNicole]

My MIL is no help either because when Avery does something bad she laughs. I did freak out in a restaurant once and told my MIL to stop laughing because bad behavior isn't funny and she did apologize but she then followed it up with "I can't help it she is just so cute when she is bad". Thanks-that is helpful!

[mami1323]

When you figure it out would you let me know.  I'm still trying to figure out how to discipline an 8 month old...lol.  I don't think she's at the age yet where she will understand a time out.  I would just keep reinforcing the "no" and say it firmly.  Show her what she did and say "no".  Hopefully just the repitition alone will get her to understand.

[cantwait4baby]

your mother in law and my dad sound like the same person.  He said it was my job to discipline you not her.  She is my grandaughter and I am going to let her have whatever she wants.  I said fine I will leave your number as the contact number at school when she starts.

[GNicole]

Cantwait-kinda like your mom and my mom are the same person! haha!

Mami-I will let you know when I figure it out! I think Avery and Jayden are alot alike! OH NO for us!!

[girliegrl1723]

oh wow - we are totally in the same boat. the only thing that is different, is when edward does something twice in a row (like Avery with the dog dish), i will also pat his butt the third time he does it and this makes him soooo upset. or if i take his hand in mine and tap it (like when he is pushing the buttons on the AC unit), he freaks out, like i just beat the you know what out of him and get all dramatic about it. he will walk around in circles crying until i acknowledge him again and then he will say "sowwy mama". i know its a good thing because he realizes he is wrong - but i don't want to resort to a pat on the butt or tap of the hand for every little thing. ya know? my mom mentioned time out a little while ago, like right beofre the summer, but we both thought it would be an impossible feat to try and get him to sit still for a minute. then everyone says, well if he gets up, you keep putting him back. forget it - that will be more like i am the one in time out. i have stop everything i am doing to put him back on a chair 500 million times. ya right! i have done what cantwait said a couple times and put him in his room and shut the door. he knows he is wrong when i do this also and will scream and cry until i go in. by then he is so hysterical, it takes me a year to calm him down. so - i guess im not much help :o) i just don't know if they are ever really "getting it" no matter how we approach it. i have done the firm "No!" and tap on the hand and thats all ive really ever done consistently, yet he still likes to test my patience and do things repeatedly (like Avery with the dog dish). i think maybe i will strat counting to three when i see him get that devil look and go for something he shouldn't. i'll let you know how that goes....

[GNicole]

Thanks for the sympathy! Sounds like we are all in the same boat!

[mami1323]

Well Jayden laughs when I say no now.  He thinks it's a joke.  Then I pull him away from whatever he's doing and say "no", he throws himself back.  I think Avery and Jayden are very similar.  Little devils.

[kenadismommy]

Hi chic!!!!  My 18month old is the same way.  She is very smart though which is what gets to me because she knows what shoes are, a purse, food, etc.. and she knows that when i say no I mean it cause she stops doing stuff when i tell her.  Well, she  gets an attitude sometimes when i tell her no and continues to do whatever she's doing and comes up to me and hits me..  I usually slap her hand and tell her if she wants to get spanked and she says no but is not afraid of me because she just does not listen to me.  anyways just wanted to let you know that you're not alone, we are riding the same rollercoaster girl!!  

[GNicole]

Avery also knows what all of those things are, that is why it can be so frustrating! Thanks for letting me know that I am not alone! If you come up with any good suggestions let me know! :)

[mysty2001]

Pick any method of discipline - (preferable not swatting though)  and STICK to it EVERy time
15 mo is plent old enough to learn

a stern voice and firm look are the important parts to accompany any discipline plan to choose

be consistant!

[kenadismommy]

Likewise!!  :)

[deanne11]

Good luck with Avery....LOL.
Those PA girls....Bad News.

Nothing worked for Abby...she was a little freak until Jake was born.
Literally from 15mos to 3 yrs old....
Now she's a different child....she never pushes the envelope.

Have another baby....that's my answer.....

LOL

[kenadismommy]

You're funny!!!  ;)   I am pregnant and due in October and i hope kenadi calms down because she will have a baby around..   :)