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| Parents of Toddlers |
| Public online group |
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| Hey everyone! My name is Martha Wilson and I have an almost two year old named Michael. This is my situation. I have enrolled Michael in gymnastics for a toddler/parent class. He really seems to enjoy it because of the opportunity to run around and participate in different activities. My dilemma is that he wants to do what he wants to do while he is there. As I have found he is extremely strong willed (just like mom and dad). The other kids seem to stay on task and participate during the entire 45 minute session. Michael, however screams and tantrums when I try to redirect him. I want him to know that he needs to stay with his group, but I am just not sure how to go about it. My husband says that I need to spank him when he misbehaves but I don't think that is going to work. Does anyone have any suggestions? |
| Posted by Martha on 07/21/2008 11:32 AM
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| For discipline I HIGHLY recommend the DVD or book "123 Magic" which was recommended to me by a toddler mental health specialist. When my twins turned 24 months they started testing me like crazy, I watched the DVD and it literally worked like magic!! In a nutshell, you remove any emotion and talking so they do not get the desired "reaction" they are looking to get and count to 3 (waiting 5 seconds between numbers) and they they get timeout. My kids now usually stop the behavior at 1 or 2, but if they do get to 3 they walk themselves to the timeout corner and stay there until I tell them they can get out. My personal belief on spanking (in sync with the toddler mental health professional I know)...I don't think violent / aggressive behavior is a good tool to use to teach a child something. If we do not want them to be violent/aggressive towards others, why would be that way towards them? Timeout teaches kids that when there is a rule, if they break it there is a consequence. Just my two cents. |
| posted by Brigitte on 07/21/2008 01:04 PM
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| That is funny because I actually just bought the book. I haven't had a chance yet to read it, but I will definitely start on it tonight! Thanks for your help |
| posted by Martha on 07/21/2008 03:45 PM
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| I too entered my son into gymnastics when he was 20 mo. He did the same thing. He really enjoyed the activities....when he wanted to do them and not when it was his turn or during the designated time. I was so frustrated (and embarassed) I tried several different forms of discipline and none of them worked. I decided to pull him out and enrolled him in a class through our parks department that was all song, game and activity. This worked much better!!!!! My son was too strong willed to do something so regimented at that age. Once I found a class that better suited his personality he followed directions like an angel. Plus he has learned so much and interacts with the kids more!! I do not know if spanking will work for your son, it certainly wouldn't have worked for mine. Maybe check into Kindermusic, soccer or other activities in your area that would better suit a more energetic, free willed child. Good luck, I understand how frustrating it is!! |
| posted by kara on 07/21/2008 04:39 PM
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