Disciplining??

Sidney is 11 months old and just seems to be getting a little out of hand. She keeps biting me (laughs when I say "No Bite"), pinching my nipples while nursing with the tips of her nails(OUCH!!!!), puts her arms up in the air when you pick her up so she slides back down etc.

Like today at the mall....I was only there for 20 minutes when she started cranking in her stroller. I'd give her toys and she would throw them then she started HOWLING...major water works. So finally I took her out of the stroller and she was happy as a clam. But then she didn't want me to hold her anymore and wanted to play on the floor....so she would raise her arms or twist and turn in my arms so i almost dropped her. I put her back in the stroller and the screams started again.

How should I handle this? I feel like it is a constant battle. Diaper changes are wrestling matches (I honestly feel like I am traumatizing her when I pin her down to change a diaper), she won't sit in her high chair, I have to press her into her car seat....its non stop!!!

HELP!!!!

Re: Disciplining??

I could have written this word for word. I hope someone has some good advice. My DD is a wild one- never easygoing. I don't want a bratty child, but she doesn't understand a lot yet. Everyday is a challenge, every diaper change is a challenge, every trip out...

dree- you are not alone. I need help too.

Re: Disciplining??

I dont have much advice as I am not at that stage yet..thank god! But I was watching a new show on TLC today about Moms and problems with kids etc....one mom had awful trouble with her 2/12 year old acting up when they were out etc...the advice they gave her was to use as few words as possible..so instead of saying" sweetie we have to go now, you have played for long enough, come on now please get in the car" you should just say " we are going now"....dont know how that would work in real life though especially with an 11mth old.

The chlid expert did tell her that although it might be driving her crazy right now the mom should accept that all these tantrums were part of her DD's development and the same way as you wouldnt stop her trying to walk, talk etc..you need to let her assert herself and she will eventually get it....

Re: Disciplining??

Jake was like that too at that age. There really wasn;t much I could do, but I learned to keed him in the stroller when we went out. I brought alot of things to keep him busy when we went out. Diaper changes I was a bloody nightmare.

What I can tell you, as he got a little older (he is now 18 months old) it has gotton alot easier. We now sing songs together when we change his diaper and he actually sits still and laughs. When we are in stores, he may come out of his stroller, but he knows that he has to hold mommies hand. The minute he starts acting up, he goes right back in, he can throw a tantrum, but he is learning it is not getting him anywhere.

Good luck and hang in there, it does get easier.

Re: Disciplining??

I have found that real "disciplining" at this age doesn't work. I only give her a very firm no if she is about to do something that will hurt herself or another person. I personally feel disciplining for any other reason is too much at this young age.

Re: Disciplining??

I have learned to NEVER take them out of the stroller. I have found things to occupy them because you basically have "lost" the battle when you are pushing an empty stroller chasing after a toddler!!!

Re: Disciplining??

I think you just have to learn to manage the situations and not to expect to be able to modify her behavior (except with time). For the mall, having a sling/pouch would make your life easier. Diaper changes are sometimes easier if you give the baby an otherwise forbidden toy like your cell phone or some other coveted object that you never let her have at other times. Duct tape might also help. (kidding)

Re: Disciplining??

its a phase they go through marissa did this and when she would bit I would tap her in the mouth not hard and say no bite in a stern voice and at one point she bit me and wouldn't let go so I bit her back not hard but she looked at me like I was crazy it did help. with the hitting I can't help cuz she has n't really done that yet she has just started the pinching and I tell her no pinch and I had even pinched her back and she told me you hurt m but not that clear being she is only 21 months and I told her that you hurt mommy when you do that. The diaper changing thing I still have a hard time at times keeping her still and changing her diaper so I can't helpyou with that one. As far as the shopping goes when she gets antsy and wantst o come out of the wagon o r the stroller I hold her facing forward and tell her to push the stroller or the wagon and it keeps her occupied for a while or I bring a bunch of things to try to keep her occupied.

Re: Disciplining??

I've raised two daughters and as odd as this may sound, I believe she is testing you. Children are more astute than we give them credit for and they will, even at this early age, see what they can get away with. This has become a game for her. She gets a reaction from you every time and it seems she gets what she wants. Since there is very little "discipline" you can interject at this time, it doesn't mean that you can't start breaking bad habits. When she bites, a hand over her mouth and a firm "no" while looking her in the eyes helps. When she hits, holding her hand and a firm "no". Changing diapers, keep bringing her back to the position you need her in and a firm "no" when she moves. High chair, keep sitting her in her place and a firm "no" when she objects. Car seat, if there is a struggle, a firm "no" and place her in it. Always look her in the eyes when doing these things so she understands that you are sincere in what you are saying. When she complies, that is the time for a hug, a kiss and telling her what a good girl she is. Repitition is the key. Children learn what they are taught. If bad behavior is allowed to continue just because she is young, what will happen when she becomes older? It will only get harder to undo what was done.

Re: Disciplining??

Wow....thanks for all the input. I'm gonna try a lot of the suggestions. I really didn't want to take her out of the stroller but it is soooo hard when other people are staring at you like "what are you doing to your child lady" type looks. I guess I just need to be more consistent with her. But I just don't get why the first time I said "no" to her she cried and now all she does is laugh. When did it turn into a game? This is so hard. I hate feeling like I am being mean all day. Today I yelled "NO" so hard and loud because when I was trying to get paper out of her mouth she clamped down on my finger and wouldn't let go...it is no joke how much that hurts. her teeth are like knives. I feel like she is becoming immune to "no".

Keep the suggestions coming....I feel so much better knowing others have gone through this.

Thanks