Re: Discipline
Asked by VickyB

Question:

What is a good age to start punishing bad behaviour? My 18 mo old daughter is into everything, and gives me a "cheesy smile" when she goes near something she's been told not to touch or

go near. What is a suitable punishment for a child her age? She seems to understand the word "No" but only listens when she wants to. Sometimes she's very well behaved, and other times you can nearly see the horns poking through the top of her head! Help! How can I keep her well behaved consistently? We try putting her in her playpen for about a minute when she's been naughty, but that's hard to enforce when we're out and about... Any suggestions??

My Advice:
Well when my kids were little it was still ok to smack their bottoms (btw they have grown up to be well adjusted teens). But these days the 'time out' strategy is used more, you dont have to lock them in a room(coz that's abuse) maybe just sit them in a corner where there is little stimulation or take away something that they value eg. favourite toy, tv show or treat. Take this away immediately after bad behaviour so that they can link their behaviour with missing out on something they want. It's up to you how long you take it away for but make sure you are consistent, EVERY time they behave badly, take it away until they get the message!!

All the best

traceywestaway