My dear 21 month old daughter has really been challenging lately. Until now we've done ok with distractions and redirecting her. However, I think we are getting to the point that I need a specific game plan for discipline when those don't work. But I'm not sure what to do. I've tried time-outs a couple of times (basically she and I sit on the couch for a minute) but they don't really seem to make an impression on her. (In reality they were more of a time out for me because I was really angry at her).
I'm could really use some help with these in particular:
1. pulling the cat's tail. And leg. And neck. We have been dealing with this since 12 m.o. and I had hoped it would get better with time. But it hasn't really. She is just stronger and I fear more for our poor kitty now. We usually just remind her to "pat gently" and ask her to show us how to "pat gently". Which she will do before going back to pulling the tail. Sometimes I have to remove the cat or remove her from the cat. But that isn't really a consequence to her since the cat will always come right back again to sit down next to her. I wish that the cat would just give her a nice little nip, but she is too sweet.
2. getting into the car seat. Today I spent 15 minutes trying everything... singing songs (works sometimes), offering something fun she could do/have once she is in (doesn't usually work), yelling. I finally had to physically hold her down kicking and crying while strapping her in. I almost couldn't do it and thought I'd have to find someone to help me. This was not fun for either of us.
3. Standing on the table. I usually just move the chairs, but she isn't learning to not do it when the chairs are there.
4. Biting mama. This game just started yesterday. She thinks it is hilarious to try to bit me. I want to put an end to this one immediately.
I'm sure I could go on and on with my list. But I'd love to hear any ideas for dealing with an individual problems, or a general gentle discipline approach that will get a bit more attention than my current approaches have.
I could really use the help!
I'm could really use some help with these in particular:
1. pulling the cat's tail. And leg. And neck. We have been dealing with this since 12 m.o. and I had hoped it would get better with time. But it hasn't really. She is just stronger and I fear more for our poor kitty now. We usually just remind her to "pat gently" and ask her to show us how to "pat gently". Which she will do before going back to pulling the tail. Sometimes I have to remove the cat or remove her from the cat. But that isn't really a consequence to her since the cat will always come right back again to sit down next to her. I wish that the cat would just give her a nice little nip, but she is too sweet.
2. getting into the car seat. Today I spent 15 minutes trying everything... singing songs (works sometimes), offering something fun she could do/have once she is in (doesn't usually work), yelling. I finally had to physically hold her down kicking and crying while strapping her in. I almost couldn't do it and thought I'd have to find someone to help me. This was not fun for either of us.
3. Standing on the table. I usually just move the chairs, but she isn't learning to not do it when the chairs are there.
4. Biting mama. This game just started yesterday. She thinks it is hilarious to try to bit me. I want to put an end to this one immediately.
I'm sure I could go on and on with my list. But I'd love to hear any ideas for dealing with an individual problems, or a general gentle discipline approach that will get a bit more attention than my current approaches have.
I could really use the help!
