How to Discipline My 2.5Yr Old Son

Hi A.,
This is What I have done and it seems to work. After doing a behavior that I don't approve, I sit him in the naughty chair (away from distraction - can't see tv, no toy etc) and explain that one of his favorite toys is going in timeout. I would put in somewhere where he can see it but not touch it. He can't play with it until he stops the behavior (i.e. throwing toys or sippy cup or calming down)

I am going to a love and logic class at 7 oaks starting Sept 7. The class costs $10 and is 7 weeks for two hours every friday. Let me know if you want to go. They have free babysitting. I can check to see if there is room.
L.:)

I always had a really hard time with time-outs as well and always wondered how anyone got their child to stay in one. For that I have no advice. However, I also had a very hard time getting my children to go to bed and stay in bed for that matter. I discovered a great pratical solution that once I started, just seemed silly that I hadn't done it all along. Have a bedtime routine that you stick to. We would start getting ready for bed at least a half an hour before bedtime every night. Brush teeth, get P.J.'s on, pick out some books, etc. Same thing, same time everynight. It's amazing how a schedule that they can count on makes a huge difference. I would always read a couple of books a night. Let them pick out the books. Usually the Dr. Suess books because they are fun and short. Read the books, give kisses and hugs and they stayed in bed and went to sleep. It was the night-time routine plus a "wind down" period. It worked wonderful. Hopefully this helps. Good luck.

Don't give in. I know it's easier but just don't give in. He could be seeking extra attention due to the seperation. He might also be wondering if he too is leaving. Spend extra time with him during the day. At bedtime make it a special time by reading his favorite book too him and once and awhile...allow that "one more book". Just don't give in because then he knows that eventually you will. With spanking, follow this rule, once and sometimes twice is fine but anymore than you are doing it for yourself. I was raised being spanked and my boys are being raised the same way. Although I try and avoid it but with three boys it becomes necessary. He's most likely mad at you and blaming you for his dad leaving. Ever watch the movie "Hope Floats"? Explain things as best as you can, you would be surprised at how much he'll understand.

My son is now 6 1/2. The first time I remember him going to bed and staying there was his 3rd birthday. He was exhausted. I have found that my son has so much energy that if I don't wear him out, then he is up and down until I go to bed and the house is dark....Even then sometimes he would be up for hours after I fell asleep exhausted. Spanking didn't work for me. And time outs were too much of a struggle too. If he wants a book and such at bed time, then work that into a bedtime routine. We also read Macy the sleep fairy-which, like the tooth fairy, leaves prizes-but it didnt' work so well with us. As I said, my son is now 61/2 and I am just now starting to get control- it has been a long struggle. good luck!

I think that consistency is key. If sometimes he gets his way and sometimes he doesn't then he will be confused. Every time he does something wrong or right he needs the same reaction from you. And also if you and your ex just split there is probably lots of things going through the little guys head right now. Me and my husband split in Dec. and since then I have had problems with my son as well. They are getting better now but that is alot for a young kid to take in and deal with. I would continue time outs just keep putting him back no matter how many times he comes out. It starts to get to you after a while when he won't stay but I think you'll find its worth the time and effort that it takes. Well good luck. Have a great day:)