Help I Need Some Advice!!!!

Updated on March 30, 2007
J.L. asks from Lakeside, CA
15 answers

I have a 18 month old son that is going through this phase were he absolutely throws everything!!!! He will clear out a whole toy basket of toys hitting anyone with flying toys. I have tried talking to him and telling him to stop, I have tried taking the basket away and moving it I don't know what to do. I give him so much attention so I don't possibly think that is the problem.

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So What Happened?

Thank you everyone for your advice I am trying some new techniques. Thanks again and I will keep you all posted on what happened.

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L.M.

answers from San Francisco on

Go out and buy some inside the house soft balls. Everytime he starts to throw the toys bring the balls down and in a clear voice say " Throw the balls". This is just a distraction that as helped me.Be patient and make a game out of it. Draw a bulls eye and hang it on the wall. Good luck.

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V.H.

answers from Las Vegas on

try putting all the hard toys away and giving him a couple soft toys or bean bags and a laundry basket and teach him to throw into the basket. Don't give him too many options for toys just a couple at a time and if he likes to throw make it a game.

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N.D.

answers from San Francisco on

Sounds like the Terrible Two's are starting. I think the should be called The Terrible 18 months to 3 years...

Maybe now is a good time to begin time outs. My son was very similar, and after a while and much consistency, those behaviors minimized. I use the Supernanny's technique for time outs. Google her and you'll probably find more information. Good luck!

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R.C.

answers from San Diego on

I would try if you haven't already, take the toys out of the basket giving them back one at a time. When he can take them out nicely and put them back nicely he gets another toy back,if he throws any he gets one taken away. Good luck to you I remember this age with my daughter quiet well stay firm and stick with the rules you have made for him consistancy works best.

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E.C.

answers from Reno on

My dear, I'm afraid that it's completely natural. My son is almost 21 months old, and I have everything....and I mean EVERYTHING (including the fridge) duct tapes closed. My son takes the foor out of the fridge and throws it, he throws all of the silverware, pots and pans, toys...everything. I've pretty much just learned to live with everything up high, and the hopes of out growing it all soon. Good Luck!

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K.K.

answers from Fresno on

What worked for me was I explained I would get rid of the toys that were thrown. It seems like you've tried everything else. That here I was also. And I did have to throw away a few things but when she say I would really do it. She did stop.

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C.N.

answers from San Luis Obispo on

Dear J.,

You are right, your attention is not the problem. The problem is he is 18 months old and that is what THEY do. They will also clean out the dryer, the dirty close basket, clean off the coffee table, the kitchen cupboards and then righteously walk or crawl away, happy that they could be of help.

When he starts throwing, go over there and tell him where to PUT the toys and then help him calm down. He will get it. The talking is just not what he needs at this point, unless it is companionable talking while the two of you PUT the toys instead of throw. Maybe just leave 3 or 4 toys in the basket. Change them each day, and he will become more interested in them as toys instead of flying missles.

Good Luck, aren't 18 month olds just the cutest people on this earth ? C. N.

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R.R.

answers from Los Angeles on

my 3 year old went through something like that too. no matter how much attention you give them, sometimes they want more. eventually, after ignoring him doing it and making him pick up everything when he was done, he gave up. trust me, took lots of patience

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M.C.

answers from San Francisco on

I hate to tell you...but it is so very age appropriate. I am an infant toddler teacher, and all of our kids starting as early as 10 1/2 months start throwing everything food, toys, bottles. All you can do is be consistant,or try redirection take him out side and give him things that are OK to throw, like a ball or something and explain to him that it is OK to throw that item. Hope this helps I know its frustrating.

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R.W.

answers from Los Angeles on

It is a phase kids seem to go through. Take anything he throws put it in a box and put it on time out for awhile(at his age maybe an hour or two). It may take awhile before it works though so lots of patience.

R. Williamson
Stayin Home and Lovin it!
You can to!!
www.asparrowsfreedom.com

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R.S.

answers from Los Angeles on

Hi!

Your son has probably recently discovered that he can lob things across the room and that it is just pretty darn cool. He is also in the "I am independent, look what I can do stage." Try giving him some soft balls that he CAN throw or take him outside with some balls. Tell him that balls are for throwing, toys are for not. Maybe make a "basketball" game with a clean trash can or box where he can practice his throwing skills. My daughter went through this big time at around 17 mos, we kept reinforcig the rule about "what not to throw" and now at 20 months she only occasionally throws toys, though not in the same manner as she was a few mos ago. Good luck! :)

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N.G.

answers from Sacramento on

I know just how you feel my son started at the sametime. I know that he learned his from his older siblings, and I hate to say but myself and my husband. We don't "throw" things but we do toss them to each other or in a room, it's not a bad thing but to the eyes of an 18 month old he doesn't understand, so what we did was everytime he throw something we would make him pick it up and gently put it down or back or whatever we wanted him to do with it. I'm not saying that he learned it from you but they do get it from somewhere whether that be daycare or home those things are learned. When my son doesn't pick up what ever he threw he goes to the bad baby playpen, it sucks for them, but it works.

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R.C.

answers from San Diego on

My daughter did the exact same thing for about 8 months and now she's over it. She's turning two in a week. I think that they just get a kick out of it and they dont realize that it's being destructive.

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V.C.

answers from Sacramento on

Have you tried time out? Select a spot for time outs and have him sit there for no more than two minutes. If he refuses to sit then try placing him in his crib for the two minutes. You have to be consistent and this takes alot of patience but it has worked for me.

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N.B.

answers from Reno on

it may be drastic, but every toy that lands on the floor that he is not directly playing with/and or is thrown - take away and tell him why...soon he will have no toys. (Only for a day or so at this age, they have no true concept of time yet) I had to do this for my son who had no respect for his toys and books - throwing and breaking them. Much better now. Hope someone has advice that helps. Good luck.

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