I feel extremely guilty as slapped baby on hand for the first time today. Baby is an extrememly intelligent 8 month old who can't crawl yet, but is incessantly screaming and squealing loudly on purpose ALL THE TIME. Baby screams as loud as possible, waits a few moments then does it again. Baby is not upset or distressed in anyway - thinks it is funny and a game. Got different advice from different people (baby just watns attention - just ignore it etc. Have tried simply saying No, then No with pinching mouth into a fish shape (no pain but unable to squeal), to removing priveledges/time out in cot etc. The only thing that has really worked today was after I said in a calm voice (not angry moment) No and inflicted some pain on the back of his hand with a little slap. He didn't cry but I could tell he was actually thinking about it this time, and waited a lot longer to try again, where I did it again. I felt so bad but it seemed to work.

Is this bad parenting? I was at my wits end after listening to it go on and on for the last day (happens even when playing with toys etc).

help!

Jess