Spitting Is Driving Me Crazy

J.-Unfortunately, your son is at an age where he will test your limits everyday (I am sure you know this already). I know he is still a bit young, but, I have two sons and I have come to accept there are certain habits that boys will have that Moms will never understand or enjoy being around when they engage in these nasty habits. My sons are older, 12 and 9, but, I will tell you something I have discovered. With a habit like spitting, if you tell your son he can spit, just not around you (because boys have certain things they think are cool--why, I will never understand), he will feel like he has won this battle. And, at that age, you will not win every battle, so, giving him one every once in a while, when noone will get hurt, will help both of you survive the terrible two's. My boys know certain things are not done around Mom (burping on purpose, farting on purpose, spitting) because it is not something I like to see. But, I also know that when I am not around, they go crazy with that stuff. You know, I like to say, my boys are just practicing to be men, so, your son will just try some things because he thinks they are fun. We, as women, will never understand the joy, but, if it is not really hurting anyone, just let it go---he may even get bored with it after a while. Good luck!

Hi J. ...

In my opinion , 26 months is by NO means too early to discipline , and time outs work wonderfully IF you stick to your guns. At your son's age , he would need a 2 minute time out. EVERY time he commits that offense. Could also do a marble jar ( Although I do think for spitting , a time out is best ) , but whatever you decide , stick to it. HTH ~ A.

With one of my step son's he did this. I took him outside, and had him spit over and over, I would not let him stop for a while, whe I knew he was soooooo tired of spiting. But he was a few years older than your son. Also what about telling him where it would be okay for him to spit? toilet, sink, tub, trash? I wish you luck!

I think that the more you draw attention to it the more he will continue to do it. Make an effort to reconize the good behavior. Like I like the way Johnny is listening to what mommy asks. Children love praise. Hopefully it is just a phase and he will out grow it.

Does your husand spit or chew tobacco? They could be imitating their hero.....
T.

How long has he done this? If it is under 3 weeks, he will stop it eventually. Continue following the behavior with consistent consequences. Disciplining is necessary and you are not alienating them or scarring them despite the puppy dog eyes he gives you :)

Continue to pray for patience. They will continue to test you to see where the boundaries are. We have to be ready to show them we love and care for them enough to set and show them the boundaries.

Peace,

Pam