How to Stop 21 Month Old from Spitting

Updated on March 14, 2010
J.L. asks from Durham, NC
6 answers

My little guy is almost 21 months and he just keeps spitting and I am at a loss for what to do. Time outs don't seem to be working and he just isn't quitting. If I tell him no to anything he spits out of anger. I've been trying time outs now for quite awhile and that doesn't seem to help. This spitting is happening more and more often and he will do it in public too. I really need some advice on stopping this, help please!

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More Answers

S.H.

answers from Nashville on

My 18 month old just started this too. his sister was being silly and showed him to do this. Also, we are trying to give up the pacifier and this might have something to do with it. He is also trying to bite alot as if he is daring me to go get the pacifier. I think that he thinks that if he is gross enough I will give in. Please let me know if you get any advice because I am right there with you and tired of changing his shirts all the time.

D.P.

answers from Gainesville on

my mom told me that my brother was a spitter and she tried everything with him and nothing would work.finally she was ready to give up and they were at home and he did it like 3 or 4 times in a row and she flicked him on the lips and he never did it again.she didnt do it hard just enough to let him know that what he was doin was wrong..hope this helps

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L.S.

answers from New London on

I told my son as soon as he started that he can spit in the sink or in the bathtub and of course in the pool when he gets water in his mouth. You have to just stay consistent and calm. I didn't make a big deal out of his spitting, I just say, remember, where do we spit? And he says the bathroom sink and the bathtub!!!

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J.S.

answers from San Antonio on

My suggestion is the same as the previous 2. tap him on the mouth and tell him no.

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M.O.

answers from Chicago on

I agree, tap/gently slap his mouth and just say NO. Don't be too chatty. A mean look, a tap on the mouth and NO should be the end of it.

If he does it more than once, I would remove him from the situation without talking. Then once he got "sat down" I would get down on his level and calmly tell him that spitting is not acceptable and that he needs to use his words. And that he can only get up when he's willing to say "sorry" and stop spitting.

This is a tough stage since he simply doesn't have the words or patience to express himself. Keep encouraging him to "use his words". Whether it's a cup of juice, cookie, etc. MAKE HIM "use his words". Even if he just gets out "J" sound...he's trying.

Good luck!

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A.P.

answers from Atlanta on

I wish I had some good advice for you. My son started that at around 24 months. He is now 26 months and it's slowed down a little bit so it must just be a phase. This sounds mean but time out only worked occasionally. Obviously when we were out in public I couldn't do time out. I popped his mouth but of course not hard. Just telling him to stop didn't work so I didn't know what else to do.

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