How can I get my 2 yr old to understand me when I say no?

Question

I am having a hard time lately getting my 2 yr old to listen to me, she terrorises the cats, throws things at our brand new tv (which is a DLP so the screen is similar to a comp. moniter but its a 50" and was very expensive so don't need anything happening to it) takes her food after she says shes hungry and I prepare something she throws it right on the floor. I mean I don't know what to do, I tried timeouts thats just a joke she wont sit for 10 seconds let alone 2 min. so I get more frustrated trying to do the time out then what was actually bothering me. And the whole time she's laughing and thinks its a big joke idk what else I can do. I look her in the eyes and say "No" with a affirmative voice she just pulls away and screeches. Can anyone tell me what they did in my situation?

Answer 1

Spank her. Thats the best way to get through to a child this age. Like someone else said, if you spank her one time the right way, the threat will more and likely be enough the second time

Answer 2

Sounds like my 2 year old! It drives me nuts! I will put her in a corner and have to sit her down like 20 times before she will stay!

A lot of people might think this is a little mean but I give her a few flakes of crushed red pepper! It works, sometimes all I have to do is show it to her! (After a minute or so I give her some water!) I think it's better than spanking her! Good luck

Answer 3

you need to nip this in the bud - a month ago! if she's in a high chair with the food you have her locked down so you can put her in time out by just facing it in a corner and walking away. does she have a favorite thing you can take away? you gotta get the timeouts to work and get her to respect you.

i believe in spanking, so that would be my solution after continuous disobedience.  but it would only take once and the threat would be enough to last for months.  (yeah yeah, im evil, tough c**p).

if you can put her in a playpen to MAKE her sit in timeout that would work too. she knows how to push your buttons, so you need to find hers!

Answer 4

Hi there....

I feel for you.  I truly do....I have a wonderful almost 20 month old who just started doing the same thing.  No and yes all mean the same and he laughs and laughs.

Here is what I have figured out so far:

1. Hitting is useless, they copy it and think it's okay, even if randomly...so I tried it once, just in the palm of his hand and as I have said....failed.

2. Time outs seem to be fun, so I have restricted them.  If he is at the table and does not behave, I simply turn the chair so he does not have an audience.  And yes, I have done it in public places and when he is in his stroller.  That way he can't run, but the minute he finds himself without an audience, he quiets down, so it seems to work.

3. As for the animals, I have a dog and he has tried being nasty to her, and I will remove him every time, speak firmly and take him back so he can pet her.  Thankfully, she doesn't bat an eye.  And it also seems to be working.  He has started being nicer to her.  It's time consuming, but slowly works.

Now, for the TV I simply place something in front of it so he can't reach it.  Sorry, but I don't have a better idea.  And if he insists, I turn it off until he sits down.  He hates it, but it helps.

Please remember, none of these work all the time, but consistency has proven effective.  And I know everyone says one minute per year of life.  I find that if you allow them long enough to calm down and then bring them back, they have an easier time relating the punishment to the crime.  But again, that is just me.  

And also remember that 2 year olds don't relate to your feelings, they only have an urge to do what they want right now, so they will forget and do it again...and I do it again too.

And screeching...yes yes yes....let her....and then , when she has stopped tell her screaming will never get her anything.  Using words will...

Well, I hope I did not babble too too bad....

And I wish you the best of luck...

This too shall pass...

Answer 5

paddle him

Answer 6

You have to be on the child's level for them to totally understand you.  When she does something wrong, immediately stop her, bend down so that your face is directly in front of hers and explain to her what she did wrong and what her punishment is going to be.  If it is time out, you have to be persistent until she gives up.  Continue to put her back in the place that you designated for time out until she stays there for the 1, 2, or 3 minutes that she is suppose to be there for.  The length of time depending on what the action was.  Good luck and just know that it is not easy but it really does work if you are persistent!

Answer 7

Sounds like she really needs an appropriate spanking. (Go ahead and give me a thumbs down!)

Answer 8

I agree with everything the person above me has said e.i. hitting does not work, taking away attention will calm them..

I also wanted to add that I find patience to really be an important quality in these situations. This sounds like an obvious statement...next time you find yourself angry at the child's behavior just take a deep breath and remind yourself that your attitude reflets enormously on your child's temperment. If she sees you calm, she will learn calm.

My mother-in-law warned me the first year of my sons life about how I should organize my home- nothing in his reach I had to make it so that I wasn't constantly following behind him in panic. Of course it came down to keeping him away from the TV. I've always thought they should make something specifically for TV's and toddlers...I ended up taping over the buttons while it was off/playpen in front of it if I wanted to have it on (at least he wasn't standing in front of it). It might be a good idea for you to just keep a pen or something else that is large and easily moved in front of your screen-it won't always be like that GOOD LUCK

Answer 9

this is why you dont buy tvs like that til they are older, wait til she turns 3, it gets worse. dont use the word no, redirect her

Answer 10

a hit. (not child abuse)

hold her down

redirect her mind

DON'T talk to her, play etc