Where's the off switch?!

[sloane]

play is obviously good for all kids but some definitely need more of a chance to burn up some energy than others, my ds is the same.

i think they understand a lot more than we think but i figured that even if he didn't, it was still good practice for me to talk through it.

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[HotI]

I am reading a book called 'raising your spirited child' that has some good ideas. i don't know if your little one is spirited, but i reckon there are good tips for all parents.

Another couple of books i have bought for DD are "hands are not for hitting", "feet are not for kicking", "teeth are not for biting". DD didn't get it straight away but over time, and with repetition she knows her feet can do other cool stuff apart from kicking mum.

[fionas]

I second what the others have said about physical exercise and getting outside. Being home is just sometimes a complete battlefield. You don't always need a destination, just go for a walk and see where you end up.

And also as the others have said, if they're being terrors, that's the time to sit on the floor with them and give them undivided attention for 15 minutes and ignore the housework and ignore what mess they've created. Just play. Easier said than done I know

I found trying to explain things just didn't work on DD1 and would just be frustrating for both of us. I remember one of the women in my Mothers Group told me that she just told her daughter "no" about not touching the DVD player and after a few times, she didn't touch it any more. Well I tried that literally for a day and a half and it made not difference whatsoever, just made us both frustrated. DD1 is just incredibly physical and needs to burn off energy. She is now, at almost 5, obviously a LOT better than she was at 2 or 3.

DD2 is a different kettle of fish. She does listen and she does (mostly) stop doing things when I ask her to.

So, horses for courses, please don't think there's anything majorly 'wrong' if you try the gentle explaining route and it doesn't appear to be working. Sometimes, getting a bit older, is the only thing that works and in the meantime you muddle through. (That's what I did anyhow )

[OceanPrincess]

Teni I found what worked with my high-energy DD is telling her what to do, as opposed to what NOT to do.

So instead of saying "No hitting", "no climbing", "don't do that", you tell her how you expect her to behave. So if she's wriggling and kicking during a feed, you say "DD, lie still while mummy is feeding you, or the feed will end. We lie still while we are having a feed." And you give her a few chances to behave the way you want, then follow through if she doesn't stop - end the feed.

With my DD, we had to set a few "rules" - and the word "rule" really helps - the rule for playing with other kids was "Keep your hands to yourself", so no hitting, biting, pushing. I'd clap my hands together at my chest while I said it and soon enough DD was copying me. Now I've started it with DS, too.

The other rules we have are "We sit on our bottoms on the furniture" so no climbing or running or jumping on couches/chairs/beds, and "Stay in bed and stay quiet until the sun comes up".

You need to work out consequences that are acceptable for you and DD both, when enforcing any sort of rule.

Oh and she can absolutely understand most of what you are saying by now! Don't let her sweet little smile fool you She knows!

Hope that helps.