How do you discipline a 16 month old?

Use a firm voice, a stern expression on your face and say 'No!' Then redirect. My son is 18 months old and was constantly getting into the cupboards. I locked all but one and let him get into that one that just had some pans and mixing bowls. It was a compromise. Toddlers are curious. They are not misbehaving when they do these things. But we do need to set limits. Whatever he is doing that he shouldn't, give him an alternative that is acceptable to you. If he is pulling everything off the shelves, put his toys and books on the low shelves, and set limits. He can take the stuff off the 2 bottom shelves, but no more. Be consistent in what you allow and don't allow, and be persistent in telling him no. Redirect him to what he can do. Play with him with it for a couple minutes to show him it's ok and how much fun it is. After a few days or maybe a week of doing this, you will probably see improvement.

Well there isn't a lot you can do. I do believe it is ok to tell them no and start letting them know what makes mommy happy and what the look is when mommy isn't happy. Be prepared that they will like repeating the word no to you once they learn it*L* Taking them away from the situation after saying no is a good idea. My youngest daughter had disabilities and so didn't hear the word no for the first two years of her life cause she couldn't move enough to get into anything. We taught her total communication using both verbal and sign language since we didn't know if she would be able to talk. As she got older, started talking and moving around if I told her no she was so sure that I didn't understand what she wanted so she would sign it to me. I would laugh and say good try but it is still no. I have to admit at 13 she still doesn't like to hear the word no.

When my 16 month old son is doing something he shouldn't do, I give him a firm "No" and then redirect him. It doesn't seem to work all that well yet but I tell myself that he is learning! He does now know to 'sit' when told. It just takes persistence and patient but they do learn...I promise, this one is the youngest of 6 so I've been there plenty of times before.

with a firm but gentle No! and show your displeasure.... then (or at the same time) remove the child from the trouble and involve her in something that you approve of.

I was reading through the discussion and saw that he was pulling down books, etc. Having raised 2 boys myself, I can tell you that all you need to do its sit down and play with him! Does he have Legos? You can have such fun building things? Musical instruments like pans and wooden spoons? My boys would be kept busy for a long time banging on a pan with a variety of things that made different sounds. He's doing these things because, at that age, they're sponges waiting for knowledge. If nobody is interacting with him he searches out new situations or something to touch that will give him a reaction. As moms, we're incredibly busy, people don't realize how much time it takes for cooking, cleaning, laundry, children and all the other things we do. But if you can sit down and actually play with him or involve him in what you're doing he'll be focused toward constructive things. If you're cleaning the bathroom, give him a damp rag and put him in the empty bathtub and let him scrub. He's not too young to learn and begin to enjoy helping. I can't stress enough that every minute you spend playing with him means an hour of joy he'll give you as an adult.

My 16 month old is the same way, in a way. And I say in a way because I have seen a change him him lately since I have changed my approach with him. He doesnt listen to anything I say. If I get up from where I am sitting to grab him, he runs and hides with a grin on his face. I tell him NO! And take him to play somewhere else. He then goes back to the bad thing he was doing. I think the only thing that keeps him quiet is looking out the window, or reading. He also beats on his older brothers ages 6 and 5. The other day he jumped on top of my 5 year old and starting punching him (with a fist) in his face. I had to pull him off of him and sit him on the couch until he calmed down. He can talk very well, so I ask him why he does things like that? He says I dont know! I really dont expect him to understand. Im wondering where he learns this stuff. He is with me 24-7 and I dont punch or hit. The only TV he watches is educational programs on PBS. It freaks me out, because I dont want him beating on people when he is older. Okay, I make him sound like something terrible. He is a sweet helpful little boy. Loves to read and color. He is very smart and surprises me with the things he say everyday. He knows two of his colors and is learning his ABC's. I try to look at the good in him and bring that out more by playing and teaching him different things that are good. Praying that the mean streak will subside. Just keep your head up and find something good your 16 month old likes to do and keep his attention on that at times. I know its hard to so, when you have a home to take care up along with other stuff, but try it. Good-luck

hello sarah, well i dont think that you can discipline a child which is that young. why what is your child doing that you need to discipline her/him. all you have to do now is say no if she/he done something that you need her/him to understand. or if you want to teach him/her try to show it so she can imitate it. it is too early yet to discipline.

kids this age won't understand discipline. redirect their attention or "punish" them with 2-5 mins of quiet chair is the most you can do.

yes, attract them to something else

Its only going to get worse over the coming months. your child is nearing 2 years now and that is known as the terrible 2's where the child will try to establish that they are the boss. Dont be to harsh punishing them, just say NO in a deep manly voice and maybe a smack on the bum (nappy still on of course) and assert your dominance on to them so they know who is the boss.