Discipline @ 22 Months

My son is almost 2 & has been testing the limits lately and throwing tantrums almost daily. I can't get anything done, even walking to the car is a battle. He says "Walk, Walk! So I hold his hand and we walk down the stairs, then he lets go and RUNS for the street. I run after him and tell him NO! BAD! STOP! You'll get a VERY BAD BOO BOOO. I've even given him a slap on the wrist and he either laughs or sits down where he is and wriggles his body and whines so I can barely pick him up and place him (kicking & screaming) into the car seat.

This routine repeats itself outside of the library, when leaving the park, etc.

Is this the start of terrible two's?!! He also throws a mini fit whenever I won't give him what he wants. I try not to give in but sometimes I promise him his favorite snack or activity just to get him in the car. I don't like bribing my child! What works at this age? Positive Reinforcement? Ignoring bad behavior? Some stuff can't be ignored, like getting out of the straps in his high chair and standing up. The louder I yell, the funnier he thinks it is. Helllllllp

Discipline @ 22 Months

I find staying calm confuses them and they think about it. If he's getting out of the highchair, maybe its time for a regular chair.
I found getting down on his level and explaining what I expected before we left and what the reward/punishment would be, I got better results.
When DS was getting close to crossing the line, I'd say "Yackey Yak" and he'd say "don't talk back". It reminded him of where the line was.
Don't be afraid to punish him wherever you are. DS got a time out at Friendly's, Red Lobster, malls...whatever. Give a warning and follow thru. If you say if you do X i'm going to do Y and then do Y.
You'll get thru it!

Re: Discipline @ 22 Months

Ahhh, could have written this myself. I agree with PP to stay calm.

I've also come to the realization that DD wants to do things more independently and wants to run the show. I let her do little things to make her feel like she has some control and I keep control over big issues. For example, I ask if she wants the blue cup or yellow cup at breakfast, to watch Wiggles or Elmo before bed, to sit in her high chair or booster for lunch, etc. Once I let her feel like she had a say in things she calmed down immediately for other things and they are no longer a battle.

Re: Discipline @ 22 Months