Okay...so this is a spinoff of another thread...but help me! My baby is now a toddler and attitude has become a major issue the last few weeks.

Cash is now 15 months old. He is getting into everything...which isn't a big deal really. He understands "no" and "stop" and will back away and listen. But suddenly over the last 2-3 weeks, he will stop what he's doing when you tell him no, then look at you and sit down and throw a full out TANTRUM. I mean scream, kick, shake fists...it's comical in a way, but annoying, trying and getting old really quick.

We believe in spanking, but at this age/point with this type of fit I dont feel it would help any. Just add to the tears probably. Ignoring him doesn't work because then he just follows you around the house and plops down every few feet doing the same thing. Picking up and comforting is what he wants, but then again, do I want to comfort for bad behavior? Really, he is throwing a fit cause he didn't get his way. Is that worthy of love and comfort? Not really in my book...

So, last night we put him in his crib and waited for 10 minutes. Solid screaming the whole time until he started that gagging/hiccup thing that makes me have to go get him cause I worry he will make himself sick.

Suggestions? Anyone else deal with this particular thing?

Most of the time, he is such a sweetie and loving and good and listens well...but lately if it's something he really shouldn't be doing (trying to climb on coffee table, ripping pages out of books, etc.) then he throws these tantrums.

TIA

Hmmm, I think at his age the best thing might be to redirect him to something else, instead of just saying no. I would try to find domething else that he can do (ie, climb on a structure, or look at a board book) and say something like- oh, no we can't rip the pages in that book, but come here look at this one! or no, we don't climb on furniture, but do you want to (something gross motor related) HTH!

If I were in this sitch, I may try the discipline (I would try a swat on the leg) before the tantrum. It sounds like he knows what he's doing is wrong...so maybe try disciplining the behavior of ripping pages or getting on the table rather than waiting until the tantrum happens...it's worth a shot! :-) Hope you find something that works soon!

Emma tried tantrums at that age, we did spank her (age accordingly spank) and she only had about two or three big episodes and after getting spanked those few times, she quit. Never had to deal with her screaming in public or at home after that.
I think he is really finding his boundaries and it's super important that you halt this before he gets way out of hand. I know he is young, but he is old enough to know that he doesn't like being disciplined, and he is old enough to know what he is doing that is wrong. Keep it simple of course, but be very consistent when you start disciplining. I will pray for you in this!

Blessings,
Amber