How do you punish a 20-month old?
The simple and quick 2-word answer is YOU DON’T.
Basically, right now my primary job; well, besides being a dad and doing daddy things, is to make sure Niko doesn’t hurt himself. Sounds easy, but in reality, it’s hard because he is a 20-month old baby and he wants to explore and play. Its not like he is constantly getting in trouble; but when it does happen, I say NO and throw him in daddy jail. Ok, so I really don’t throw him, I pick him up and daddy jail is my lap and he stays there for a few minutes. Sometimes, he laughs at me. Sometimes, he screams. Sometimes, after he is let free, he returns to what he did to get in daddy jail. Fun times!
When he throws toys or food, I again say NO and take it away. He thinks it’s funny when a toy crashes against my head because I make sound effects; mostly because that is how I role. Sometimes it really hurts me. Hey, I would much rather me get hurt than Niko. It’s really hard when he throws food because I want to make sure he gets enough to eat. So, I clean his tray and give him something else to eat. I will admit that I get frustrated when he throws food and I am pretty sure he notices.
Hopefully, sooner rather than later; like when he turns 20 years old, he will understand the difference between YES and NO. Nina told me a few days ago that she may start implementing time-outs; for Niko, not for me! Most of the time, I behave fairly well.
