Hi all! I have a wonderful little girl who is 21/2 going on 20! She really is pretty good overall but is very stubborn and apparently has "selective hearing". My bigggest problem right now is that I have to repeat myself frequently to get her to do something and I know for a fact there is nothing wrong with her hearing. She is a very smart little thing so it's like a constant game to stay one step ahead of her (sounds kinda crazy I know)Of course her father has no problems with discipline, he rarely has to say anything twice. I know part of my problem is being inconsistent and I am really trying to work on this. We do time out when I have to repeat myself 3 times or she flat out refuses to listen, etc. I "pop" her lightly on her butt but this really has no effect on her except to make her laugh! I am not desperate or anything but would looove some feedback from other moms to increase my techniques and decrease some of my frustration! She will be 3 in August if that helps. Any suggestions would be great!
I've been there!! The other suggestions are correct. I just wanted to add that it may seen at first that your child is in time out for half the day and you do nothing but discipline!! Don't worry, your time will be well spent when she finally turns 3 (usually) and you can finally look back on it and thank yourself...and she will have more respect for you, too!
Good luck!
I know the inconsistancy is a big part of it. She is at the age where she is pushing your limits, and seeing what she can get away with. I would suggest you and your husband figure out a solid disapline standard that you both can follow and once you agree on what that is, the next time she bites, explain to her what is going to happen and FOLLOW THROUGH. You have to do this every time, and soon enough she will know that you aren't going to break on this. It works. Also, I wanted to mention, that I am giving away child safe kits. They keep a record of your daughter's fingerprints and photo, other info, etc. This helps your piece of mind as well, especially if she's as rambuncious as you say. That way if , god forbid, she does get lost or something, you have an ID card that can help anyone find her. If you want one, let me know. Me email is ____@____.com
You really need to stop asking so much. You should never ask more than twice. Ever. She will learn very quickly to respect what you say if she has a consequence every time she doesn't. I know this sounds harsh, but I'm not saying you have to be harsh with her. You ask her once, she ignores you. You ask her again. If she doesn't respond it is straight to time out or whatever you use. Don't discuss it with her. Tell her why she is taking her time out and let her take it. After, tell her again why she got a time out, ask her to say sorry, and have her do what she should have done in the first place. You shouldn't have to pop her on the but to get her to listen to you. You just have to set up a pattern that EVERY time she doesn't listen, she has a consequence. It really is all about her knowing you won't make her do it right away. I personally think this is why most people have "terrible twos" with their kids. That is the age they learn to test your resolve. You just have to be consistent and she'll stop her selective hearing. You sound like a great mom. Hope this helps!
I have had the same challenges with my 2 1/2 year old son who also often laughs at the pop on the hand or butt. (Madening!!) I find time out the most effective. One minute for every year old so he gets 2 minutes of time out. You will have a day when she challenges you and is testing your boundaries. On one of those bad days, after we did about 2 or 3 two minute time outs in a row, he started to figure it out. Now if I say, "That's a time out" he usually stops but if not, be consistent and do the time out over and over until they get it.
