16 Month Old Being Defiant...

I know it seems hard, but you need to stay consistant. The time outs will work if you stick to them. As soon as he finds that he can't go and do what he wants it won't be a game any more. Another part of his acting up may be that Dad is away. At that age they don't do well with change but it will get better. Stick to it and don't try to do alot of explaining. They really don't understand and you may send mixed messages to him. I would just say NO that's 1, NO that's 2 and one NO that's 3 go to time out. If he gets up put him back! This may take several times for him to stay 1 mins. (which may seem like a life time...lol.) It will work. I used a time out rug after I stopped using the play pen. I've seen people even use the crib. It works as well to keep them confinded for time outs. Some people don't agree with it, but if it works I say use it.

My 14 month old is just starting this behavior. When he acts up I think he is just looking for attention - I have just been ignoring the behavior, walking away and not speaking to him. That seems to stop him dead in his tracks. If I do not respond positively or negatively to this behavior - he is not getting what he wants.

Wow, that sounds familiar! My daughter started at about 14 months and is just now starting to get better (she's 17 months). She still has her days, but the only thing that worked was taking her out of the situation completely. I say no a max of three times and then that is it. I put her in her room, not her bed, and tell her she can come out when she is ready to behave. I know she does not totally understand, but now she knows that I will not tolerate the behavior. Be consistent...that is the most important thing. Whatever you choose to do, stick with it for atleast a week to see if it is working. My daughter is better with the defiance, but she has figured out the tantrum, throwing herself on the floor and flopping around. Man.....ARGHHHHHH!! You have to be more stubborn than them. I wish you the best..it gets better, just a different kind of better, haha!

My daughter went through this phase when she was that age (it lasted for months!). The best method for her (and me!) was to strap in a highchair and leave the room for a few minutes. She did not like being left alone! Good luck!

All four of my children did this. My youngest is now six and my oldst is 12. What worked for me was the time out chair and making them stay in their room. Get an egg timer and show him how it works. when he is naughty put him in time-out and set the timer. Tell him when it rings he can get up. Be prepaired to make him go back several times as he will get up. Be consistant with what ever you do and things will get better. Kids need consistancey. Good luck