Help Me With My Spirited Toddler!

[lotusdebi]

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[Suzetta]

My first thoughts would tend to go towards looking at my daily routine. I also have a very lively daughter, who is 19 months old. I find that the best way to help her is to make sure she has a solid, dependable routine that includes a variety of activities to help her release and channel her energy.

It sounds like your son definitely needs some serious large motor play time, climbing, tickling, chasing, throwing the ball, playing catch. But do not forget the importance of having time for drawing, reading, watching a favorite video etc. It is these quiet time activities that will help him learn to be more focused. Definitely remove him from other children when the violence starts, but keep giving him chances.

[lotusdebi]

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[foreverinbluejeans]

Giving your son 3 chances actually encourages bad behavior. He knows nothing will happen most of the time. Even if you were perfect about doing what you threaten the third time then to him it means that you only mean what you say 1/3 of the time. There should be somewhere you can go for him to play by himself. You might try smaller parks, church playgrounds during the day during the week, ect.

It's OK to stay home until he outgrows it. He has shown that he isn't ready. As you learn to mean what you say and say what you mean (no counting, threats) you may see a change in behavior.