I need help with my 2 1/2 year old daughter, she will not stop touching and taking things that do not belong to her. She goes in the Kitchen and gets up on the counters to get stuff so I can't even hide things up there anymore. I would like some ideas on how to teach her that not everything is hers and she shouldn't take things that do not belong to her. This morning she took my sons binks and hid them in her room and then put his formula in the living room. When we were preparing for our sons arrival she would take the socks and wash cloths out of his drawers and put them in hers. She even takes things for mine and my husbands jobs. Help me please I am at my wits end!
She is old enough to teach. Just be VERY consistent. Don't let even one time in a day slide by with her taking stuff. Tell her no and if she continues, give her timeouts-2 min. Progress will be slow, but you have to start sometime. Explain the rules first, these are not yours, do not take these things or you will get a time out.
Hi,
Person boundaries are so hard to teach. But try we should or they could take over the world one day these indepedant toddlers! My best friend's child did this at 3yrs. She used to call her her little 'clepto'. I think she partially grew out of it but also her Mom kept close watch and when she did this she was gently told that was "someone elses Name" and that to be a good girl she needed to give it back.(Remember it is so important to get down on one knee in front of her on her level when correcting this is so important to teach constructive criticism) Praise her if she does follow your lead, gives it back and do something together even if it is to read a book or play for 15 minutes; if not it's probably for attn. and time out when this happens even if in a pack n play may be an answer and then return the item together and give her praise and special Mommie/girl time.
I hope these ideas help
It kind of sounds like an attention getter. This age is a selfish age, everything is theirs. She is definitly old enough to be taught that it isn't accecptable. Stay strong and consistant and she will get it. Good luck!
Explain to her that it is not nice to take things that do not belong to her. Tell her she does not have the freedom to do this. Be consistant so she knows what her boundaries are. Tell her once. If she does it again, then discipline in whatever form you use. But be consistant!! She'll learn.
I hate to tell you this but it doesn't get better it just changes. lol My daughter will be 5 the end of June and she is now digging in my purse and taking my make up from the bathroom.
M.
Your child is jealous of the baby and to her even negative attention is your attention. Try involving her more in the care of the baby (i.e. let her sit on the couch next to you and hold the baby and feed him his bottle). When the baby naps make it "her" time alone with you. Once she's involved and knows that she gets her own special time too she won't be as likely to try and get your attention negatively.
