discipline

[sissybug]

how do i correctly discipline a 2 year old that has just started talking back to me and her father and is begining to lie on other children?

[woofgang]

sissybug, this is a baby going through the "terrible two's" when they discover their independence. I am a bit worried by your use of the word "discipline" in the context of such a baby. I am not sure which country you are in either, but could you get some advice from child guidance or child and family services?

[ALLO]

when my two year old yells back at me i smack his arse. not hard, but enough to make my point. i beleive spare the rod spoil the child. after he's done crying i always hug him and tell him i love him, but what he did was wrong. then he goes about playing.

[Gef]

Well said ALLO but no doubt we will get pelters from the anti smacking brigade. My children are now law abiding citizens aged 22, 24 & 26 and they all all agree that a quick smack and a later cuddle never did them any harm.

[louadams6]

i have the same problem, my daughter is two and is going through the dont want to, no and i dont like that phase!!!!! it is hard and the best advice i have been given, even though its easier said than done, is try to ignore the bad behaviour and praise and encourage the good behaviour. Good luck!!!

[Lil-Ol-Me]

Ahhh the terrible two's... tell me about it!!! I have a two year old daughter who also answers back and tells 'porkies' However, I simply refuse to feed her bad behaviour with a reaction... most 2 year old's are 'reactionists' ... I'm not sure that 2 year olds actually know what lies are, I feel its more story telling as they are only just starting to figure out the difference from fantasy and reality, so I just say 'are you telling me stories' and most of the time she will say 'yes' As for the answering back... hmmm sometimes I ignore her and pretend I didn't hear, and sometimes I will (like super nanny Jo Swift) go down to her level maintain eye to eye contact and tell her in a firm steady voice that it is bad behaviour and very wrong to speak to momma in such a way. If she constantly 'offends' (tut tut) I explain to her that if she speaks to momma in that way again then she will have to sit on the bad girl's chair in the hall... she hates that and its far better than a slanging match which can become a routine (lasting into those dreaded teenage years!) Sitting on the chair usually means tears, but also gives her time to calm down (and me too!) and gives her chance to think about what she has done, and is also learning that actions have consequences! I actually consider myself very very blessed as she is very good really (especially for 2) and if she wasn't a bit naughty sometimes then I'd be worried! Compared to some 2 year old's I have encountered my little darling is an angel! I also have a 19 year old daughter (I know huge age gap!) and believe me they grow up only too fast... befor we know it our 2 year old's will be tenagers! Enjoy every moment as each day is a blessing!