Home > Cabinet Knobs Information > Cabinet Knobs Questions > OK, so you all tell me NOT TO SPANK but instead take away toys and time out?

OK, so you all tell me NOT TO SPANK but instead take away toys and time out?

Besides the fact that I am spending half of my day putting him intime out while my daughter is crying for a bottle or in the MIDDLE of drinking a bottle, diaper change, whatever, I've taken away most of his toys and now he's bored and all he does is terrorize us. YES, I play with him a 3/4 hours a day BUT when I am cooking or doing laundry (yes I have to do those things so we can eat and have clothes to wear, don't tell me to play with him all day) he's jumping on his sister or just bugging her for fun. Then when I tell him no TV, Oh forget about it, he is tearing up the house BIG TIME. Torturing his siter while breaking things, loosening door knobs on cabinets, spilling my water everywhere, etc. My big question is, when you've taken away ALL of his toys and privelages, what the heck do you do with a 3 yr old!? How are they supposed to get through the day with out terrorizing everyone. YES I PLAY WITH HIM and color with him and play play doh with him (if I haven't taken the YES, I involve him in house work, but he doesn't want to help me cook and clean all the time or the other 8 hours of the day he is awake when I am NOT playing with him. YES, I play with him and spend time with him NO, he doesn't go to school (we can't afford it) YES, I set up playdates a day or two a week. Why should I not spank in ADDITION to taking SOME, not all, toys and privelages away? NO he doesn't eat processed food, I cook his meals. No he hardly has sugar. YES, I praise him 1000 times a day and encourage him. I knwo it sounds like he should be an angel and I don't appreciate being questioned about my honesty. Maybe this will help, he acts exactly like I did when I was his age and then people say he acts just liek my father did at his age also. Rambunctious behavior runs in our family as children. Not all kids are robots, just because you take toys away and give consequences doesn't mean they are not going to still be mischevious and daring. every child is an INDIVIDUAL, he is not a push over and he is not passive. He is a go getter and a doer, right now he is difficult but I know he will be successful when he is older BUT I have to make sure to guide him the right way, not let him run the roost.

Public Comments

  1. spanking is your own personal preference. Quite honestly, do you really base your child rearing methods on responses on Y!Q&A?????? Get the book Bringing Up Boys by Dr. James Dobson. I mean, I can't tell you how to parent, but get some help from experts you trust.
  2. Girl, you do what is best for your child. Everyone from your mother to the check-out girl at the grocery store will tell you what to do with your child. Don't listen to them. My parents spanked me, and it taught me that I shouldn't do things. Taking things away doesn't have that much of an effect, kids are easy occupied with many things, what is a couple toys going to matter? Sometimes, spanking is just what it takes. Just do what you feel is right. And good luck with your little peanut! Stephanie
  3. I was spanked as a child and I turned out Ok. I respect them for it. It is not easy to spank my children but I do spank my children and they are ok. If I did not spank my children they would tear my house down and kill each other. They do not respond to time out. We tried that. I think you just have to decide what is best for you and your children.
  4. I feel you on this one. I have a 3 year old and a 1 year old. I do spank my older one when it's deserved, such as her kicking her sister in the face. I've learned that taking away toys doesn't work very well either. I know it's really hard to do everything that needs to be done. What I do is keep some new-to-them toys hidden for times that are just chaotic. The newness sometimes calms my daughter down enough for her to explore this "special" item just for her. Sometimes our kids just get bored with us. I'm home all day with them and we can't afford daycare either. I don't think you should have to play with him constantly, he needs to learn how to entertain himself sometimes. I know, easier said than done. Oh, we also keep my oldest's favorite video on hand for crazy times. She's not allowed to watch it anytime she wants, she knows it's her special sit down and watch movie. Sometimes that works. Hope you find a solution. Let me know if you do, I could use the help too!
  5. This clearly a discipline/role problem. Your child thinks that he is your peer; you are his playmate. I would never tell you how to parent but I do believe that you may need to re-establish his role in the family. In other words, put him in his place. It isn't going to be pretty but he'll be less likey to grow up as criminal or a failure. Start early! I'm glad my parents spanked me! You can easliy identify those poeple that were not spanked as children. They often lack self-control.
  6. Spanking can be an appropriate form of discipline for some children as long as it is NOT done in anger and you reinforce how much you love your child afterward. You have to find something disciplinary that your child responds to!
  7. Welcome to the world of parenthood.
  8. Honey I was brought up spanked by a hand, switch, belt, yard stick, fly swatter you name it. I turned out fine and I believe spanking does help. People have gone so crazy these days that if you swat your kid on the behind in public that you should get in trouble. It teaches them a lesson and if it hurts well they need to learn that what they are doing is bad. Kids need to learn to respect and listen to their parents and if they want to rebel and not listen then a spanking or discipline is needed. My ex would yell at his child and he would continue day to day of doing the same stuff over and over. One day I was watching him and he told me to shut up (he's 3) and I smacked him on the mouth..enough to shock him but not leave a mark or anything, and he went and tattled to his dad and I got yelled at but his kid never told me to shut up again. I believe you discipline how you see fit. You won't obviously beat your kid but if you think a spanking or some sort of discipline to that is good then do it. Maybe he will calm down. Just have to try different things. My brother who is 2 when he acts up my mom just has to pick up a belt and he is quiet and stops...she has never touched him w/a belt but he is afraid of it..lol Good Luck and hope things get better.
  9. Have you tried standing him in the corner? That's what I always did with my son when he was three.
  10. I had a hard time at one point - my daughter (3) didn't want to sit still for time-out, she'd get up and run around, so I started making her sit down right where she was and not move until I said she could. Usually, it was right behind/beside me, because she's an only child and I'm usually the only one in the house she can pester! :-) Instead of telling her "time-out!" I just told her "Sit Down, and don't get up!" She'd sit there and cry, and when she was done, I'd remind her why she was in trouble, and asked her "do we ____?" When she'd answer "no" I told her "OK, you can go and play." Stick to your guns, and whatever form of discipline you settle on (don't let anyone tell you what works best - only you know that), BE CONSISTENT. Don't make idle threats or empty promises. If you tell him he's getting a time-out or a sit-down, make sure he gets it. If he sees that you're too busy to follow through on a punishment, he'll continue to walk all over you. I've also found that a timer that *dings* is effective. While it's still "ticking", they're still in time-out.. and if they misbehave, the ticking goes on longer. Another time-out tip - don't start it until he's quiet - or relatively quiet. If he's crying, the time-out hasn't started yet. When he sort of settles down, ask him "are you ready to quietly take your time-out now?" I know it's hard to dedicate this much time to one child when the other is in need of care. Give your daughter her bottle, and then give him his time-out.. and make sure you stand nearby so he takes the whole thing. Don't talk to him until it's done, and when you do make sure you remind him of his "crime" and give hugs and kisses. Good Luck - toddlers are difficult. You just gotta make sure you get the reins before they're older.. if you have the reins now, they'll be a little easier when they get older.
  11. spanking is totally up to the parent, and sometimes very necessary and the only thing that works, i have a very stubborn 3 yr old son,but i try to only use spanking as last option and i never do it if i am angry!!! just use your own judgment, try the 3 strikes your out philosophy like i do, warning first then time out then something taken away or grounding and if that doesn't work then its a pop on the butt! actually that is 4 steps but you get the idea. good luck! it will get better just be loving,understanding,and patient and explain why he gets the pop if he does get one, so maybe he will start to remember that if he goes to do the same thing again
  12. it sounds like u don't want a answer u have already made up you're mind but i have to say with no disrespect people cant give u a helpful answer if u do not ask a honest question i feel don't know for sure but feel like if u do all the things u say u do and are consistent u should have a angel kids act the way they see us act and most of the time when they act out they are asking for some thing we are not giving them that they need my kids love to help out around the house but u have to make it fun for them talk to them while u do this say thanks for all you're help u are my big helper I'm so glad i have u to help me the more positive things u say the more they will want to do what u tell them i know how hard it is to be a mom with two little ones and it is Really hard to admit that we might feel some times like we are in over are heads but that's what makes a good mom some one that can say i need help what i am doing is not working what do u think would help there is nothing wrong with asking for help but we can not give i if u are not honest with you're question
  13. Well, I don't really have a ton to add. But, with taking his toys away...you don't take them away forever. You take them away for a set amount of time. Like an hour. As for the time outs, make sure they don't last more then 3 minutes (they say a minute for every year he is) When he is 4, give him 4 minutes. Also, remember to encourage good behavior. If he is doing something you like, then praise him. Most likely he is just wants your attention. He feels that being bad is his only way, even if it isn't good attention. Raising children is very very hard. There are times you just wonder "why did I ever have kids". But, there are more times when you know why you had kids. For me, having children is the hardest, yet the most rewarding thing I have ever done.
  14. What is wrong with spanking. I've always used a wooden spoon on my kids. People can call me a bad mother, but my children respect me and listen to what their told. Is it really a bad thing for a child to have a healthy fear of their parents? I don't think so. Why not try to swat him on the bottom with a wooden spoon. Don't do it out of anger, don't yell at him and don't give him any warnings. Next time he acts up swat and tell him that's what he'll be getting for now on. You'll find out that you'll be a better parent because your son will be a joy to be around then. You'll be able to do your housework and not have to worry about him terrorizing. The most important thing is consistency. It'll take a few days, but I bet in a week if that long you'll have your son trained. Keep it up because if you don't he'll always be looking for that loop hole. Good luck and God bless
  15. He sounds abit hyperactive...does he eat a lot of processed food? Or candy? Food that is pre packaged has chemicals in it which can make them over active and naughty....does he eat fresh food?
  16. Do you have any children PC programs? There are a lot of kids things that might interest him and won't mess up your computer. A good one is Kid Pix. And yes, spanking is allowed, but discovering a method that bothers him is better. With my daughter, standing in a corner for 5 minutes worked best. She hated it. Does he feed the baby once in awhile? How about playing Peek-a-Boo or naming the mouth, ears, etc... with the baby? Singing to her? By having him involved with her, he'll learn to interact on a learning/play instead of bully. Plus, asking him to keep an eye on her when you leave the room for just a few sec will make him feel more important, too! It's not easy with 2 and it could be worst, just keep trying different methods and you'll make it.
  17. I believe that punishments should be dispensed according to the behavior requiring discipline. Spanking is a tool, it's not the only tool. First, you've got a very hyper 3yr old. And believe me when I say, I feel your pain. Not only are you dealing with your son in the best way you know how, you're also dealing with the stigma that comes with discipling your child. The people who say "never spank" are usually the first ones to say "he needs a good ass whopping" if your child was ever let loose in their homes. But hey, I can understand the "Do not spank, it teaches them to hit". But there are other lessons to be learned. One, you're the boss/parent/authority. You compromise when you can, but ultimately, decisions are yours to be made. I don't think your son is being bad with the intentions of being bad. I just think he is so full of energy, he's doing whatever he can get his hands on. Right now and maybe even in school, this energy will be frowned upon. But when he grows up, that energy level will be considered a very positive attribute, and he will be very successful in life. Your job is to balance everything. And that's hard. But I'm very proud of the fact that you are seeking advice, and not just feeling like you're a failure. If your child is fighting or is misbehaving in regards to a toy. The toy needs a time out. You're taking away something he wants. If he's doing something bad but not hurting someone, put him in timeout on a spot on the floor with no toys. Set the "kitchen timer" to 3 minutes. When the bell goes off, he knows he's out. I truly feel that behaviors that hurt others or himself, deserve "spankings". It's with the best intentions that you are spanking him, and you want him to understand the seriousness of his bad act. If you're spanking him for everything, then they become numb to it. In dealing with some of his actions you're talking about, you have three ways you can deal with them. Taking away opportunity (like removing door knobs from the cabinets, removing water from within his reach), putting him in time out and/or spanking him, or refocus his energy into something else. Personally, I think it's a matter of balancing all three. The things that truly bother you, move them away from his reach. When he tries to circumvent these, time out. When he lashes out in anger or retaliation, spank him. I've learned that you've got to choose your battles. And no matter what anyone else says, do what's right for yourself, for your children, and for your family.
  18. I completely understand. Raising a toddler is tough especially boys since they are constantly on the go, curious and into everything. My son is 2.5 y/o and is usually the worst when I am on the phone or cooking dinner. Here are some things that I do, which have seemed to help. I also like the book, "1-2-3 Magic: Effective Discipline for Children 2-12", by Dr. Thomas Phelan. We do not allow our son to watch tv. However, if I have an important phone call to make and my husband isn't home to help my son does like to watch a dvd called Zakland. The dvd is great and full of music and singing. So, I put that on and he only watches while I'm on the phone. Even if it means its only for 15 minutes and no other time. When cooking dinner I have found that buying my son child sized utensils that are all his own he loves to help. When he gets bored with that he does have a few select toys that I only bring out when I'm cooking for him to play with. By having them put away the rest of the day he is usually really excited to play with them during the time I cook dinner. Also, we do have a time out chair in our house. Actually it's a stool. I have found that because he cannot climb down from the stool as there is no back to hold on to he sits still. I place the stool in front of the mircowave and set the timer for 2 minutes. I tell my son he has to sit there until the timer beeps. Believe it or not, he actually sits there and watchs the time count down. Once it beeps he turns around to make sure we are coming to get him. Before I take him off the stool, I explain to him why he was in time out, he says sorry mom/dad and than we say I love you with hugs and kisses. I know this is a tough time, but hang in there is will get better.
  19. I am a preschool teacher and for one of my classes in college I read the book "How to Behave so your Preschooler Will Too" It sounds judgemental but it is not. It will give great strategies on how to deal with preschool age children. Many of the suggestions will work perfectly for a three year old also. I personally do not use timeout however many of my colleges choose to do so. I think that if the child is constantly in timeout it is not working. Other methods should be used and this book will explain many.
  20. Well, if you figure it out, let me know! I have a 4 yr old girl and 2 yr old boy and people say "oh they must play together so nice and entertain each other!" HA. They mostly just try to beat the crap out of each other. I feel your frustration. Maybe try talking to your pediatrician and/or do some research as to programs in your area. I know of one in my area, where you make a video of the day-to-day behavior of the child and a group of specialists reviews it to decide if the child might have social/medical problems to be dealt with and if not, they could help you with advice and new strategies to try. I would contact the county social services or human service center- they often are aware of many resources and could help with financial assistance if needed also to make things happen.
  21. Alright, I am a mother of a 2 1/2 year old and a 13 week old we sound like we are in the same boat. Except mine are both girls. My 2 1/2 year old OMG is hyper. She does the exact same things your son does. Spank your child! I do mine and if that doesn't work then I put her in her room for 2 min. They say only put them in time out for as old they are. It seems to be working out lil bit better for me. I'm mean I am not an expert but I can understand how you feel. You can't feel bad for spanking them they have to learn sooner or later. It's just those horrible 3's. it will get better. Try my method and see if it works. Hope I could be at some help.
  22. Look - sometimes you have to spank. As long as it's not in anger or abusive, and is used as a last resort, it is NOT abuse. 3 year old boys hit the "terrible threes" badly, I've heard. My sweet, always-listened, no discipline issue boy turned into a TERROR at 3... he's growing out of it now. I teach Junior High and you can tell which kids have had no real discipline. Do you have a specific place for a time-out? Like a naughty chair? We have one. Then we let HIM set the timer for 3 minutes, and he goes and sits on the time-out chair. If he gets out of the chair he gets spanked. (We only had to do this once -- they remember!!!). Then he comes to us, we hug him, tell him we love him, and tell him why he was in time-out (they forget). We tell him - if you do ___ again, you are in another time-out. Do the 1, 2, 3 rule too. This even works in Junior HIGH!!! example: ___, you need to stop taking away your sister's toys. That's ONE. OK, you didn't stop. That's 2. Make a good choice and move away from her toys, or you will get a 3 and then a time-out. Do you want a time-out? No? Then stop. Go find something else to do. My 3 year old is always INVESTIGATING but that equals WRECKING stuff. My solution for the "boreds"? Play-dough. BY HIMSELF. Put it on the table with a big cheap plastic tablecloth underneath. Lay down the ground rules - no throwing, etc. Set the timer for 10 minutes. If he can play quietly for 10 minutes following the rules, he gets to watch some TV or whatever he loves to do. Timers RULE. I use them constantly - plus, they help teach about telling time!!! Hang in there. The 2nd child's arrival is a steep learning curve... some days, the only thing that saves me is TV... ;)
  23. If you know he needs a spanking, then trust your own judgment. There isn't anything wrong with spanking when it's warranted.
  24. Get 2 books by Dr. James Dobson. "bringing up boys" and "the strong willed child" They will help you so much. He may need preschool or mothers morning Sounds like your doing everything else right, so get those 2 books and when he needs it... by all means ... SPANK HIS BUTT!!
  25. I have a few kids like this!! My husbands family and my own think we are terrible parents because our kids are rambunctious and wild like yours. I don't know if I'd like little robot kids that do what you say when you say it and nothing else. Might be a little boring!! But we do have to discipline them. We have decided not to use spanking except in very serious matters because of the negative effects it had on our older kids when they were younger. We use the "naughty chair" with the younger two (2 and 4) and the corner for the older four. It is so much work, but it's getting easier as time goes by. We give them one warning "If you don't stop, your going to the naughty chair" and now that's usually enough because they've been there enough times and don't like it. We only take toys away from the younger ones if they're used as a weapon. The older ones do get video games and stuff taken away for serious offenses or grounding. I don't think younger kids can make the connection between stuff and privileges being taken away and what they did that was wrong. That's why we use the naughty chair when they do something naughty. It is directly related. Hope this helps. Good luck and I think you're right about his future. He will be successful because of his strong personality!!
  26. You need to buy an industrial size heavy duty baby gate or door blocker. When he misbehaves, put him in that room and make sure the gate is closed tight. he's gonna scream, cry, and try to climb out. Be tough and don't let him win. your only other choice would be to get a professional to come over and help you control him. good luck PLEASE CALL SUPER NANNY ON ABC TV. I WANT TO SEE YOUR LIFE ON TV...YOU ARE PERFECT FOR THE SHOW.
  27. hey I've got 2 kids doing the same thing.when we take the toys away they help us box them up.so my advice is a belt,it only takes 2 or 3 times and they start to listen,if they don't then you use the belt again..sooner or later they will get the point..now I'm not talking beating the child,I'm saying just enough force to show them that you mean business..
  28. ok...I'm an elementary school teacher so i deal with kids ALL day. One thing you need to know is that you need 4 postive compliments for every 1 bad behavior. This basically means that you need to give more postive compliments to him on good behavior more than his bad behavior. Instead on focusing punishing his bad behavior...reward his good behavior. He's looking for a big reaction out of you and wants more attention (though you do give him quite a bit already)...but he sees that being a brat (excuse my term) gets attention from you. For example if he is playing quietly/properly...speak out on it. Make a big deal about it. Such as... "Ben....Mommy loves how you are working quietly. Good job!!!...I love you." If you're doing work around the house and he dosen't bug you, you could say, "Thank you for letting mommy work, your such a big boy" and give him a hug and somther him with kisses. Now if he does "bad" speak up on it....but state what he SHOULD be doing instead, not the bad thing he is doing now. For example if he is screaming...."Ben, be a big boy and use your inside voice"...if he gets quiet..."Thank you, you are such a smart big boy". If he continues to do bad, speak on it, but allow him only 2-3 chances (pick one...but STICK to that number). Let him know..."Ben this is the 3rd time, I had to tell you to stop...You need time out" At this point if he misbehaves take way 3 toys at a time (..before you do this, give him all his toys back) ****Also if you plan on giving the toys back, you should do it as a reward system. All those times he is doing good, tell him as I stated above, then say "You earned a toy back".....he will naturally grasp the concept...and will work hard for it. ***this need to be consistent...so make sure your husband or boyfriend or whoever follows the exact SAME procedure. It won't work if they don't, because your son will know that he can get what he wants out of the other person. ***Also be very bland when taking away the toys...don't show frustrations...instead you want to show all the emotion when he does good things! P.s: I must admit, I'm not against spanking though. It should be used VERY sparingly! and only 1 tap, nothing forceful*** But if you use what I stated above, you may not even feel a need to spank. Good luck
  29. Wow you have your hands full- lol. Make a chart for him with squares along the way to some prize at the end. For acts of good behaviour he gets to move forward on the chart- but for bad... it's a step back. When he gets to the end on the chart (ie ten steps forward) he gets a prize. When he's olde4r and gets the concept of time- have an alarm clock set to go off at bedtime and everytime he misbehaves- put it back by 10 minutes. Kids certainly hate seeing bedtime is set back even a minute earlier! Finally you're doing a great job and kids will be kids. As long as you're consistant he'll get it. Sooner or later they stop the rebellion when they realize it doesn't get them anywhere.
  30. i think all he need is a good but whiping and if you follow his commands he will continue to treat you like dirt. i personally think time out isnt enough for your son . not to be rude but do he have a father figure in his life if not this might be part of the problem with him ,or do you take him anywhere ? i would suggest if he be good he can recieve his toys back and he get to go somewhere like the zoo or chuck e cheses
  31. THERE IS NOTHING WRONG WITH TOUGH LOVE WHILE HE IS TEACHABLE......EXAMPLE:BOY RUNS OUT OF YARD...MOTHER YELLS "STOP," BOY DOES NOT STOP BECAUSE HE ISN'T USED TO BE MADE TO MIND......BOY GETS HIT BY CAR......BOY GOES TO HOSPITAL....HURT...HOSPITAL CALLS CHILD WELEFARE B/CUS MOTHER DID NOT STOP HIM FROM RUNNING OUT IN STREET.....OK...WHO GETS HURT HERE?...YOU.?..THE BOY.?....ALL CONCERNED ALL BECAUSE YOU DO NOT WANT TO MAKE HIM MIND...HE IS SPOILED AND IF THE PUNISHMENT FITS THE "CRIME" WHY NOT SPANK THE BUTT AND HAVE A GOOD MANNERED CHILD?
  32. I have the same problem with a 2 1/2 year old. I have never spanked him, but I am running out of options. But I do know that if you spank him, he will start hitting you and other kids, mostly siblings. Think about it - if you hit him when he does things that make you upset, when other kids do something that upset him, he is going to hit him and justify it in his own mind because that is what you do to him. Try offering rewards instead of punishments, such as "if you don't torture your sister (or whatever) all day today, then tonight we will spend a whole hour doing whatever you want." It may help a little, and I know firsthand that if it works for even one day it's worth a try. Good luck!
  33. It sounds like the 2 of you are in a power struggle and you sound really overwhelmed! This is what I would suggest..... start fresh. Do something out of the ordinary. When he wakes up tomorrow, or the next day, or whenever you decide, tell him it is going to be a P day, which at my house is pajamas and pancakes, picnic lunch (on the blanket in the family room) , popcorn and a movie , and playtime. I do this when I feel like we are in a rut or are in too much of a power stuggle. I put on my best happy face, and dance around and sing, and just really work to stay calm and have a fun day. Sometimes we do what I call a family fun day at home.....I make breakfast into a face......egg hair, toast ears, blueberry eyes......etc. Sometimes it is like rebooting your computer. It just gets you a fresh start. Try not to make it you and baby versus him. He will get resentful, and of course, act out. Work on the positive, praise the good he does. Boys, at least mine, are destructive. They are not going to sit and play. Mine is 3.5 and just started playing with toys for the first time in his life this past week. Before that it was all danger boy all the time. It gets old. Try to establish room time, where he plays in his room. Preferrably when sister naps, then you can do a few things. I started mine wtih 10 min, and have worked my way up. My daughter will play in her room for literally hours. My son can do like 30 min. Good luck, these are fun and frustrating years. This too will pass, and they they will want the car keys, body piercing and tatoos!
  34. Have you ever heard the old saying? Spare the rod spoil the child? Well it is true. You do have to disaplin your child or he/she will never learn. I have leared that the hard way believe me now my daughter is 5 years old and is in school. she is a very well behaved girl because of what i have done in the home. So as they say spare the rod spoil the child.
  35. theres nothing wrong with spanking your child, if thats what works , every child isnt the sameso someone really cant tell you whats best hes only 3 and got lots of energy and thats normal iv got 5 kids and time out is good for one ,but not for the other , my girls were harder to mind and they required spankings and it was like a medicine to them ,it would calm them right down where my boys you didnt haved to go that far, they would listen before it got to that point and you dont haved to spend 24 hrs a day playing with your child take time for you so that you can get the energy to take care of your family but just do whats best for you when it comes to making your child mind. good luck.
  36. I think it's time for a spanking
  37. I think that is nothing else works you should resort to spankings. I don;t mean full on trying to kill your child spankings i mean "I need you to understand" type of spankings
  38. I am not a bible thumper or anything but it does say "spare not the rod". Dicipline is our responsability and if we don't start now they will pay for it in the future. He is only three so he is still learning his boundries. Give him time and don't be too hard on yourself. We all deal with this in one way or another. Good luck and God bless.
  39. Ok, you've tried everything humanly possible and nothing seems to be working... and your are frustrated and tired and about to give up hope, right? Well, don't give up...there's something that you can do to help him and to help you in the process. Set a routine for your children. If you are a stay at home mother, it will be a procedure that will benefit you and the children in the long run. Have a specific time for everything. It sounds as if your son is bored and has nothing really to keep him occupied. And the best way to cure the bored blues is to set up routines...Then comes the discipline. He's old enough to know right from wrong, so instead of just putting him on time out, explain to him why he's going on time out. Never raise your voice. Keep a cool tempo and watch his reactions. Stay consitent in your discipline and your routines. I'm not saying that this is an overnight process but with time, it will benefit you and him. Good luck
  40. If you've spanked him before and it didn't work then you're all out of options. If you haven't tried spanking him, then I suggest you spank his bottom or his hand, but please becareful how hard you hit him. After all he's still a baby. Hopefully this is just a phase he's going through and will pass with time. My 4 yr old likes to bug his 2 yr old sister and believe me it drives me up the wall. But just hang in there and if you think you don't have any more options then take him to a child's psychiatrist. They might be able to help. Good Luck!