Ineffective with discipline

I feel like I am really ineffective with discipline. Mainly because when I tell one dd "no, don't do that", I usually have my hands full doing something with the other dd. This is a common scenario, I am changing one dd's diaper and the other one goes to the electrical outlet and starts playing with the night light. So I say "no, don't play with that" but it is ineffective because I can't physically do anything about it at the moment. I usually get no response.

So how do you enforce rules with twins?

 

I totally understand where you are coming from....my twins usually yell back at me "NO!!" then go back to what they are doing wrong....We have started doing time out now that they are 2 but that is a short term solution they usually go back to being nuts....but I also think it is their age. Just taking it day by day....GOOD LUCK! I must be really nuts cause we are going back to IVF this month!

 

I think the key is consistancy. And the firmness of the word no. And what happens when they don't listen. I think if you are to this point, you need to take a few days where you just immediately stop what you are doing (unless it's directly wiping the poopy bottom...the other can be diaperless for a few minutes), and go deal with it. Following through when you say no is how you teach them to listen to you.

My boys are very busy and very creative...but they definitely know that I mean business when I tell them "no". Doesn't mean they always obey, but it does mean they know a consequence is coming :lol: And as long as you remain firm and consistant, they'll get there, too!

 

I've found that I have to get into the mindset of "be prepared to drop everything." I will scoop up a naked kid in the middle of a diaper change if I have to go discipline the other. This is totally against my nature (I like to do ONE thing from start to finish with no interruptions - ha! like that happens much around here!), but I just go for it.

What sort of consequences do you use?

Oh, just one thing about the nightlight - I found a great one at BRU that actually screws onto the outlet like a switch plate. So they can't possibly get it off. That might take care of at least one headache for you!

 

I totally agree with Heather and Holly! They need to know that you will drop everything and discipline if they are doing wrong. We are getting to the point where sometimes, I only have to threaten to drop everything before they listen! It's been a long road though!

 

The drop everything and deal with it scenario is the ONLY thing I can see. Sometimes, I wouldn't say NO to something (sorta pretending I didn't see it) as a pick your battles type thing if I was dealing with a poopy diaper or something! :hug: good luck!