18 mo old scratching

[lacysmommy]

Lately my DD (who is teething and going through a major growth spurt I believe) has been scratching at my face (usually while screeching "NO!")when I'm holding her (not restraining her, just on my hip or something) and she doesn't get her way. I don't really know how to handle it. I have been telling her that it is not okay to scratch and DH has also been telling her it is not okay, but she is just so young and we're so new to the whole discipline thing since she's our first.

I went through the gentle discipline thread and put about 75% of those books on my cue at the library, but she's doing this now so any immediate advice would be appreciated! I don't think my face can take it anymore!

[Diane B]

Hi - I noticed that no one replied yet, so I'll go ahead. I would read any of the numerous posts on how to help children not hit. I think it's essentially the same kind of behavior.

We do two things for hitting: first, we give her a positive direction, which has gotten more complex as she gets older (we started with "gentle hands" but now use something like "can you touch gently instead?" or "can you pat the kitty nicely?" etc.) If she hits or kicks me or her other mom, we give her a gentle reminder about positive touch, and then move away or set her down if she does it again. We don't go far, just far enough that she can't reach us. Usually, we end up having a nice cuddle after this - it's like she wants to connect with us, but needs some redirection to do it in a kind and non-hurtful way.

Anyway, there are lots of great ideas in the other posts.