Positive Parenting

My question is: Why is the bathroom door open so she can get to the toilet paper? I have an 18-month-old and our house is totally baby-proofed. That alleviates alot of things that would cause "discipline" problems. He can run around anywhere and play with anything he can get his hands on and be safe.

When you start saying "NO!" and start doing things like slapping mouth/hands (which, no offense, but that is totally despicable and unacceptable) you are teaching her that it is a BAD thing to learn and explore. She is trying to figure out things on her own and you are telling her NO. She doesn't understand that the toliet paper shouldn't be unrolled. She is just insanely curious about figuring it out!

That is a trait I want to cultivate in my son. I want to praise him for it, teach him that its ok to explore and learn. Which is why we have our house baby-proofed at this time.

I give Eli tons of praise when he is doing the things I want him to do, even if he is just playing-that way he doesn't have to be "naughty" to get my attention. He gets plenty of it when he is doing the things he is supposed to. Think about that-think about ways to praise instead of punish.

Eli is the happiest baby ever-everywhere we go he is secure, comfortable, and everyone always tells us he is the best baby ever. He listens, plays gently, and is just generally happy and yes impish at times. We have never used harsh words with him, ever, and have certainly never hit him.

It really works if you can focus on the positive and not the negative. There won't be a need for "discipline" at this age if the environment is safe and you have plenty of opportunities for fun, positive interactions that don't require misbehavior to get atttention!