Teaching right from wrong !?

[Sparklisam]

My LO is 16 months. He's very eager to be his own little person which I love. He has however just started to say 'no' at everything, pull faces and protest about things he doesn't want to do. How can I help him to explain that he doesnt need to protest ??

Anyone got any tips on how to teach him to walk with me and listen ?? I've got reins for him but he just wants to run off in all directions and ends up having a paddy on the floor when I explain we have to go a different way.

Maybe he's too young to understand ? Maybe I'm asking too much ? What I would like is some help to help him learn boundaries and consequences if he doesn't listen. I don't mean harsh consequences I mean that if he continues to lay on the floor I will ignore him ? That sort of thing !!

Thanks xxx

 

[MrsS143]

Think hes too young for too much choice?

I really have no idea
Maybe hed be better in a pushchair until he understands what youre saying more x

 

[Staceylou27]

I work with children with disabilities and challenging behaviour. They do not have the ability to communicate like we do

We work by the principle: ignore the negative, praise the positive and we use positive reinforcement. So we wouldn't say don't run we would say walk nicely. We always say their name first so they know we are talking to them and have their attention. MAke sure you give praise when he does something good.

It is really difficult to do and takes a lot of patience but it may be worth a try for your lo.

If he throws himself to the floor don't make reference to the fact he's thrown himself on the floor ask him to stand. So '....(name).. standing/stand up' use simple language. Tell him you will wait until he is ready and that you don't be doing anything else until he's stood up/done what you have asked.

We would also suggest that 'this way is the best' to get then to walk a particular way rather than saying 'no we are not walking that way'

The children I work with when you say to them 'don't throw that' they hear 'throw' so do it more.

If you want any more info feel free to ask. My lo is only 4 months so I havnt tried this at home but it does work with my nephew whos 3.

 

[Bonfire Bride]

He is still quite young. I remember Oliver doing exactly the same while out for a walk...it took us about an hour to walk down the street and back. I just ignored his little "throw myself on the floor in protest" moments. Used a positive voice and said come on then...lets find some cars (he is car obsessed). Distraction is also key!

I'm still learning everyday! xx

 

[littlemonkey]

Personally I think he's probably still a bit young to understand. My LO wasnt walking properly until 18 months for a start! But when he started walking the pram still got taken out with us all the time. If he had a breakdown about walking, not going where he was told etc he went straight into the pram. I didn't really negotiate with him, just a simple 'ok let's go in the pram then' was enough. Even now we still have do as you're told or you go in the pram, but now he's a bit older, he'll be given one warning.

Like others have said, it's about ignoring negative behaviour asked best as you can. It depends on the situation, sometimes distracting him works, other times I just have to ignore him. His latest favourite is kicking off when I put him behind the stairgate on the landing while I go into the bathroom. It's infuriating cos he can still see and hear me! I just say to him I'm busy and will be done soon. I tell him to play in his room with his toys and if he's still having a strop I just ignore him then. I do feel mean, but he stops quickly and hoes offers to play in his room ask soon as he realises I'm not giving him attention and letting him get his own way.