[wanttobeparents]

When Matthew was doing the hitting phase, Mommy would get to go in timeout. I have the kitchen baby-gated off and I would sit in there and read the paper and have a cup of coffee. I could see what he was doing and make sure he was in no danger, but boy, did he hate being seperated! He would usually throw a tantrum and lie on the floor kicking and screaming. I would calmly read the paper and drink coffee while my mind was screaming at me to pick that child up and make him feel better.

Same thing with toys that were thrown. The toy would go into timeout. Usually just for the day, but if someone were hit by it, it would be a week. Timeout for toys is a clear plastic container sitting on a kitchen counter. He can see the toys and is reminded that he can't have them because he threw them.

The result? Hitting or pushing people lasted about a month (very seldom toward the end), throwing toys lasted about 6 months, but I never go into timeout now and the toy timeout is usually empty.

Peggy