Time Outs and Stall Tactics

Mark this month, 19 months begins the stall tactics and the use of time outs.  I know I know... could this little man really warrant time outs and be smart enough to use stalling as a way to delay naps, bedtime and more?

The answer is YES!

Stalling, well its begun in 2 ways that we have noticed.  When we say its time to take a bath or its time to take a nap, go to bed, whatever.... Mason now has to walk around, say goodbye to Hurley, pet him a few times, pick up a few toys and act like he is putting them somewhere important.  Run to take a drink of watch and point to various things in the playroom!  At first I was kind of like, ok ok lets get moving and then I noticed this is becoming a habit, he is no dummy and he knows that he isnt eager to do something on our timeline!  The other stall tactic is right before bed, after the books are read, milk is had, teeth are brushed....suddenly Mason has to walk around upstairs and look around in our extra room and our bedroom before he is ready to sleep.  Really?!

Time outs... we have only done a few, but I'm thinking this is just the beginning.  The hitting and throwing toys sometimes is little nuts and so we put him in time out.  Granted I sit with him there and turn my back to him but he does indeed seem to get that he is in trouble and shouldn't have been doing something.  Siiiggghhh, this whole teaching your toddler is tough!