Is this "normal" toddler behavior??

My DS is 18 months (16 corrected) and he likes to do everything he's not supposed to (pulling down pictures off the tv stand, chasing the dog, going to his room and closing the door, touching outlet covers, biting etc.) I've started to implement a time-out, but I feel like he'd been there all day with all the things he does. Is this normal for this age??

Also, hes begun saying words in the last couple months, up to 12 or so now. He doesn't say yes/no or shake his head yes/no, yet. When did your toddler start answering appropriately yes/no?

Re: Is this "normal" toddler behavior??

Hi, first let me start by saying that my daughter was also born premature so I'm always trying to figure out if she's meeting the milestones, is this "normal behaviour", lol. She's also my only child so I'm even more paranoid. I have to tell you that at 18 months she became a nightmare. She's 21 months now and it's getting better. She also only said about a dozen or so words at 18 months and now is suprising me everyday with each new word that she says, she's even started putting together 2 or 3 words. Not sure if time outs really worked for her ( I tried but she might have been too young) but more then anything just consistency. I tried to never give in and even though it's tiring and repetitive just explaining each and everytime why the behaviour is wrong and removing her from the situation seemed to work better. Oh and she still doesn't say yes, but she sure loves to say NO!!

Re: Is this "normal" toddler behavior??

I hope it's normal b/c it sounds exactly my 16 month old DS! If he's not supposed to do it, count on him doing it!

As far as yes/no, he can only say no and answers pretty much every question with no, even if he means yes. We are working on yes, but overall he's not very verbal yet.

My ped said not to be concerned about words until 2. As long as they are understanding what you are saying it's all good.

Re: Is this "normal" toddler behavior??

Sounds like my almost 2 year old!!!! lol
He could care less if I say no, he'll do it anyway!
He says no but doesn't say yes. He says ok instead of yes if he wants something.

Message edited 10/11/2012 12:50:43 PM.

Re: Is this "normal" toddler behavior??

Re: Is this "normal" toddler behavior??

That all sounds very normal to me! As far as the yes/no, DD is 18 months and I'd say she really started saying "No" about a month, maybe 2 ago but it's not always accurate. I can ask her "Do you want your milk?" She will shake her head no and say no, no but if I had it to her she'll still drink it. She loves to say no but I came to find out it also means yes fairly often. She has started saying "Yes" or "Yeah" and that usually seems accurate but this is recent. She definitely LOVES testing the limits and doing exactly what I tell her not to. This goes on all day long and I definitely have to pick my battles. I figure she might grow out of this by age 5 if I'm lucky.

Re: Is this "normal" toddler behavior??

Yes, my DS really loves to push the limits! I know he knows what "no" and "don't do that" means, he just doesn't like to listen Sometimes when I remove him from a situation he starts crying like a maniac. He will listen sometimes, but for the most part he likes doing whatever he wants.