tell me about your discipline techniques in your 16-18 month old...

DS is definitely entering the "testing us" phase....and I am not sure what effective techniques to use with him. I know lots of early childhood behavior management, but I think he's too young for most of that stuff. We firmly tell him no for many things....and he knows the word - whether or not he choses to listen is another story. what do you guys do? TIA

Also, what do you do for the constant throwing food? Is that a phase??? It's driving me NUTS

Re: tell me about your discipline techniques in your 16-18 month old...

With maddie when she threw food, we told her, "No throwing food" and took the food away for a few minutes. If she continued to throw when we gave it back, then the meal was over.

At that age, just say, "No" (we also said, "eh-eh-eh") and give a good "mean face". Thats all you can do directly. Otherwise, redirecting the behavior is reallythe best way to deal with it.

Re: tell me about your discipline techniques in your 16-18 month old...

When she gets in her moods like that we try and distract her with something else, and the do the same with the stern No, but she just laughs at us. The distracting thing seems to work for us.. but doesnt really solve the problem.

Re: tell me about your discipline techniques in your 16-18 month old...

Ok, we do all of this stuff, so at least I feel like we are in the right ballpark. thanks so much