My daughter is going on 15 months and her personality is really starting to shine. One thing I am learning as a mother is that, well, sometimes (many times!) your long or short patience is tested. Some healthy rules to be disciplined with can prevent any negative behaviour being emulated by our babes.
One simple rule that I am really working on is that of the positive direction rather than the "no, don't do that" negative conditioning. It's a challenge sometimes, to be certain, however practice makes (almost) perfect.
I learned from a few resources that children pay very little attention to the word "no" and instead listen to the command in the sentence. So "don't pick your nose" becomes "pick your nose!" Great idea mom, already on it (or in it)!
So instead of saying "no, don't hit the cat," I try to say "Gentle petting of the cat please." Or "Don't flush the toilet," becomes "Let go of the lever please." Easy to say and hard to do but it is possible!
Attempt to simply correct yourself if you start in on the "no" or negative form. Even if you say it all, correct yourself and take a moment to think about it, if you can! Toddlers can be quick!
And then, sometimes, eating pizza upside down needs no correction.
