inappropriate???

Heather - posted on 11/10/2010

How can you possibly anticipate every potential danger or dangerous situation your child may encounter and prevent it? It's a good thing he listens when you say No. I think there are children in this world who need to be told No more often. And routines are what make children feel safe and comfortable besides the fact as he gets older and starts school he will have a life full of routine. He'll be used to it and able to cope so much better than a child who was allowed to eat and sleep whenever he wanted. At 10 months two naps is not abnormal at all. My kids did two naps and then by one year old they were only napping in the afternoon and eventually they eliminated that nap too. You are doing good with a schedule and saying No when it's appropriate is just fine.

Lyndsay - posted on 11/10/2010

I think that whoever is giving you this information is full of crap. Children flourish from a regular schedule from the very beginning, it makes their day predictable for them and makes them feel safe. As for baby proofing, the farthest I ever went was to buy baby gates for my kitchen. Small children don't need access to every thing but, in my opinion, it is FAR better (and safer) to teach your kids about the dangers of their environment, rather than trying to shield them from it. My son is 3 and we don't even use the gates any more. He knows where the cleaning supplies are and he knows he's not allowed to touch them (he doesn't, ever), he knows that if I'm cooking in the kitchen he needs to stay out, or sit by the fridge which is on the other end.. he is not allowed anywhere near the stove and he doesn't try to go there. He knows that if the steaming pot falls on his face he will have to go to the hospital and be disfigured for life, and he doesn't want any part in that.

Maria - posted on 11/10/2010

Hi, I'm new here. My son is two, and what you describe is very much like how I am raising my son. You need to do what works best for your child! Take advice and weigh whether it will work for you or not, and discard the rest.
I believe any child can get used to a schedule if started early enough in life. A lot of parents don't and then try to impose schedules on their 4 and 5 year olds - by then it's almost too late.
Discipline works the same way. You have to start early. As for saying "no" to your son, I took some good advice from a relative. Kids who hear No all the time, eventually become deaf to it. So what was suggested is to tell the child "be gentle" or "make nice" when they are touching something they shouldn't (of course, for reasons of safety, NO is always appropriate). So when my son touches my lamps, or the computer, I just tell him "gentle" or make nice, and he repeats it, and just gently pats whatever he's touching, then walks away. Stuff like that seems far less interesting if they are allowed to touch things with supervision. Children always seem to want what they are told they can't have! LOL
For the sleep issue - consult with your doctor. There are some general guideline for the amount of sleep needed at particular ages. But I think all mommies will agree, that if your child is cranky and tired - put them down for a nap! regardless of how many hours they get a night. Just do what works best for you child....

Rosie - posted on 11/09/2010

Yep Natalie totally agree....I say she is doing a great job...hooray she sounds like a great mum

NATALIE - posted on 11/09/2010

AAAA HELLO HE IS ONLY 10 MONTHS OLD! HE DOES NOT SLEEP TOO MUCH! YOUR ROUTINE IS GREAT FOR HIM & CONTINUE WITH IT! THESE PEOPLE SHOULD REALLT READ ON RECOMMENDED THINGS FOR BABIES TO BE TO DOING AT WOULD AGE GROUP & FYI IF YOUR CHILD WAS IN A DAY CARE HE WOULD BE NAPPING FOR 2 1/2-3 HOURS AT A TIME! DO WHAT WORKS FOR U!! AS FAR AS BEING TOLD "NO" BABIES ARE SMART THAN ONE MIGHT THINK! THEY DO NEED TO BE TOLD NO WHEN IT IS NEEDED! THEY CAN HURT THEMSELVES ,SOMEONE ELSE OR BECOME TOTALLY OUT OF CONTROL IF YOU DON'T TEACH THEM FROM YOUNG! IN COLLEGE I LEARNED THAT EVEN BABIES THAT YOUNG CAN DO MIND CONTROL B/C THEY SEE WHAT THEY CAN GET AWAY WITH & WHAT THEY CAN'T! YOU HAVE TO TEACH YOUR CHILD FROM YOUNG HOW THE RIGHT & WRONG WAYS ABOUT THINGS THAT PEOPLE MIGHT TELL YOU YOU'RE CRAZY ABOUT! YOUR TELLING HIM "NO" NOT HITTING/BEATING HIM!!

REMEMBER DO WHAT WORKS FOR U PEOPLE WILL ALWAYS HAVE SOMETHING TO SAY THAT'S JUST HUMAN NATURE !: GOOD LUCK

Rosie - posted on 11/09/2010

Hello, I don't know who is telling you this, but my daughter was doing all of those things and life was great. I always wonder about the maternal health nurses and people around us who tell us not to say "no" to our children. I wonder what happens if us as parents say "no" to them and then they grow up and get into the work force and someone says "no" to them....wonder what they would do, will they have a tantrum or sulK...has there been any studies for that one? From what I was told and did for my eldest daughter your son is on track and doing great. Well done. Good job. Just wondering if anybody tells you that???

Kathy - posted on 11/08/2010

God made all children different.I have 2 grown, 1, 13 yr old (I'm 55),had 21 foster children and 4 grandkids. I think kid's feel safer with some boundaries,If you give toddlers those brick blocks to play with, what do most do? They build a structure with "walls" around them. That says "I'm too young to set my own boundaries and need an adult to do it so I can feel safe and loved,but I also want the freedom to build and play in a safe happy environment. As far as scheduling, see first comment. As far as No. My grand son, at 6 mos. now 10 mos who is here a lot responds by backing off, I give a simple why and redirect if he's persistant. I also think for ALL age kids, you have to choose carefully what hill you want to die on. Another words does it really matter in the grand scheme of things? As far as advice, you know your kids best and they are yours. Don't sweat the small stuff.As a Grand ma, there are some things we have learned through all these years. If your child is physically, developmentally and socially on track? Cool. On the flip side if your parents see something IMPORTANT that you may not because you are in the trenches. At least give it non - defensive consideration, knowing we do and say things not out of spite or hurtfulness but out of love. They will eat when they are hungry and sleep when they are tired. There are things you cannot make a child do against their will. Sleep, eat, talk, not talk and perform their latest new trick : D God has wired mentally and spiritually healthy Moms to do the right thing. You'll still make mistakes, that's why they put erasers on pencils, and when they are 30-40 they will blame you for all their woes.When that passes you'll be best friends. One more thing. A teenager USUALLY cannot leave home without getting mad at you but it's very short lived. Raising kids is like an ocean. They are the waves that ebb and flow,away from you and back thru the years. Your job is to be the beach.Always there waiting for them, yet changing too from the winds of time. Go with your heart, you are doing fine. If you havent seen it, there's an awesome movie called Babies. It shows the 1st yr of 4 babies in 4 different cultures. There is no narration but it says a thousand words.

Olivia - posted on 07/10/2010

I agree with what people have told you but it sounds like you are doing just what your child needs. Now in my opinion I disagree with strict routines. The reason for this is because if something happens that you can not follow the routine then the child will be cranky and confused. I will say it doesn't seem like he sleeps too much.

Rosie - posted on 07/10/2010

it's always good to start things like no, or please or thank you-even when you think they may not understand. they'll catch on really quick, and learn the importance of each word. if someone doesn't want to do that, more power to them, and hopefully that works for their family. this is working for yours, do what works for u! :)

Lory - posted on 07/10/2010

why fix what isnt broke just to please others?? your sons routine and response to "no" works for you and your family! let the others raise their own families but also let them leave you and yours alone!

Claire - posted on 07/10/2010

i think the sooner they learn what the word no means the better! Especially if they listen and respond to it. No matter how child proof your home is, its not a padded cell, theres always something they get hold of that they need to learn they cant have. I agree with you, your doing the right thing. And as for routine, whether its strict, or flexible, babies and children need routine to feel secure. I dont understand how people can still have their kids running riot at all hours of the night, I live for my 3year olds bedtime, especially if iv had a bad day! I need my evenings to help unwind from the day, and oyu cant do that with children still awake. My son has always had a good routine in place, since being about 6weeks old, loosely set feed times, then bath followed by bedtime. Now hes 3, he knows when bedtime is, normally around 7pm, and we generally get a good 12hrs sleep from him. Its personal choice, but i couldnt cope without our routine. He knows what to expect at certain times of the day, so it curbs the tantrums too, as theres no surprise naps when he wants to play or anything like that.
Keep doing what your doing, if its working for you, then theres no problem! xxx

Shannon - posted on 07/09/2010

"no" is totally acceptable at that age.

Amanda - posted on 07/09/2010

nvr too young to be told 'no', they need guidance from the very beginning. unless your smoking. drinking & doing crack with your baby, dont let anyone tell you how to raise your child. only you know whats best for him

Sonya - posted on 07/09/2010

Huh? How do they expect the child to turn the favor by telling you No when they are about 18 to 24 months? I think all babies are different and need different amounts of sleep, like to eat different amounts at different times - if your lil' one is happy with the schedule and you are happy with the schedule - I would just smile politely and thank who ever for their advice and if you think something needs to be changed - you will think about their advice.

Donna - posted on 07/09/2010

You know the answer, you just need to know you are being backed up. You are his mom. You need to follow what YOU feel is best for your child. Your son seems to be doing very well with your rules :) By being told "no" when it is necessary, he will listen when it is REALLY important, such as a situation regarding his safety.

I personally agree with YOUR way of thinking. I am raising my kids like you are and they get compliments all of the time on how well behaved they are! I've seen too many kids who think they can do what they want because their parents never said no.

Keep up the good work.

Lynnehayes - posted on 07/09/2010

Kids thrive on routine. Don't change what you are doing. Those people who don't think children need routine, have children who don't know what to expect. As far as saying no.. well, personally I only use the word no, when something is dangerous to my son.; I want him to continue to respect the word. For everything else, I use the word ta ta.

Shalini - posted on 07/09/2010

Looks like he naps 2hrs during day and 12 hrs at night which is pretty much what a baby his age needs. I totally support raising a child clearly defining the boundaries which sometimes involves saying "no" and following a routine. They will turn into adults someday and need to live,work and socialize in a world that has rules,laws and boundaries. Why not let them learn that earlier on in life? But I wouldn't use too much "no" and boundaries as that will kill the fun of being a child. You should let him do certain things even if it is messy or annoying just so that it satisfies his curiosity and helps his development.

Kelly - posted on 07/09/2010

Every child is different and if this is working for you, go with it. Also, No child can "sleep too much" I have never heard of that, once he is rested, he'll wake up on his own.

Laura Zoey - posted on 07/09/2010

Eric was taught the word no from 6.5 months when he learned to crawl. everytime he did something that he shouldnt i said a firm no, and redirected him. i didnt punnish him or anything but i wanted to instil the knowledge of certain things that will be a "no" he learned great and by 9 months when he learned to walk i was teaching him how to follow me in the stores. by 11 months he was really good at following me through walmart etc, of course he would stop to touch something or go a differentdirection if he saw something exciting but when he wasnt distracted, he followed me around. I always said no if it was not appripriate, but if he just wanted to touch something on the shelf, no problem. soon he started pulling things off the shelfs, then that was a no! but he is so well behaved and listens soooo well. he is 15 months now and he is quite reliable, he will come when called most of the time and he will listen to me if i say no most of the times too. when he does obey i get excited and smile big and clap and all that and he really gets happy too. now he might reach for something just to hear me say no, and then when he obeys instantly he starts clapping and laughing. so sweet. he knows that when he listens i am happy and that makes him happy too.

as for routines, eric has always dictated when he eats and sleeps but his pattern is fairly reliable. it changes often but now at 15 months he wakes up at 6am sharp and naps around 11-1 and then is asleep by 7. as for eating, he is nursed anytime h asks and i have no idea how many times i nurse him. probably around 14 times a day. he likes quick nurses now and a month ago it was 7 times a day but those were long nurses. now with the quickies he nurses more total times. he also eats off of my plate anytime i eat. not much but whatever he wants.

your baby cant get too much sleep! I wish Eric slept more, more sleep is best for the brain development. most of the brain growth happens during sleep so it is so important not to short change your baby on the sleep he wants.
goodluck! I hope you are more confident in your parenting styles after hearing all of these moms stories!

Melissa - posted on 07/09/2010

I'm all about a schedule. It works for some people and for some it doesn't. You just do what you think is best for you and your child. As for saying no...how else do they learn if you don't tell them. Repetition is great and after a while, they will catch on to what they can and cannot do/have.

Hayley - posted on 07/09/2010

you are doing a great job!!! I was never a routine person, but mannn I wish i had - when you have four children, they will all know what is going to happen and when - that will make life very calm for you - tell your 'helpful people' to mind their own business!!

Sherry - posted on 07/08/2010

whoever told you this really needs to get their head examined.. my mother has said the same things.. feed him when he's hungry, put him to bed when he's tired... I had him on a schedule then I figured what the hell.. I'll try everyone else's way.. wow did that make for a cranky pissed off little boy.. and he's only 7 months old (still doesn't quite understand no-- actually he does and mister MISCHIEF kicks in)

Schedules-- awesome at least then you KNOW when you get some down time.. my son is generally up by about 8am plays in his crib and screams for me about 9 (I'm deaf so he has to set my signalling system off to get me up-- so it's a 5 second sustained "yell at the top of baby's lungs" then mom moves) so 9 commences breakfast, 10 gets a bottle and he's down for a nap til about 12, 1230ish is lunch... then play galore until 3 gets a bottle (trying to incorporate snacks here it isn't working yet) sleeps til about 5-530 when his daddy gets home then he's playing with daddy while mom does evening chores and supper... supper feeding about 6-630 ... bottle about 8-30 and bed... I know it's a bad habit to start but usually it's just easier to put him to bed/naps with his bottle he zonks right out.. thinking of changing this to a sippy cup though our bottles leak our sippy cup doesn't. LOL it just makes so he doesn't fight going to sleep...

Now when he goes to someone elses house for the night (like auntie's) and the schedule gets messed up it's usually about 3-5 days to switch the rascle back around...

trust me he is NOT sleeping too much.. he's doing fine... if he needs to sleep he'll sleep if he doesn't he'll likely l play in his crib with a few toys for a while then make it known that he's up and about... As I mentioned, my son is 7 months and still sleeps at least 11 hours at night and has 2-2hour naps a day (because of the gap between his last nap and bedtime he's good and tired to go to sleep for the night) we seldom have a problem with him waking at night but I know he does at least to sit up and switch positions we find him all over the place in his crib.

You do what's you think is best for your little one. and to hell with what anyone else tells you. Nobody knows your baby as well as you do (not even his daddy) keep it consistant is the best bet... Hope that helps.

Mona - posted on 07/08/2010

My son is on a schedule & it works well with him. By the end of the day he's in bed no later than 8 every night & gets up around 11 for his feeding then back to sleep & awake between 4-5am. I see no problem with keeping a schedule. I find it useful as our babies get older they get accustomed & don't have us parents up in the wee hours trying to get them to settle down to sleep.

KC - posted on 07/08/2010

YOU'RE his mother and YOU and YOU alone...or maybe his father, know whats best for him. ROUTINE'S ARE IMPORTENT! do NOT let anyone tell you other wise!

Jennifer - posted on 07/08/2010

I wouldn't worry about what they say. Sounds like you are doing a great job. Kids need structure and you'll have less problems if he learns "no" now when he is still young.

Courtney - posted on 07/08/2010

well my son will be a year in 2 weeks and since about 9-10 months we have been telling him no ,when he is in the wrong and sure enough he doesnt do those things anymore like playing with plugs,going near the T.V, just things that could be dangerous to him. We also have him on a schedule and we find it works great for the family. He wakes up aound 9-930 am is up till 12-1pm takes a nap usually 2-3 hrs and goes to bed no later then 9:00pm. by then he is tired himself out and we put him in his room and he goes to bed,this also allows me and his dad some wind down time and some alone time. However my son does not have set eating times, when he goes to his high chair and sits there we assume hes hungry and we will feed him, we always have snacks that are in his reach if he wants them. in the end you have to do what works for you and your family...our scedule is pretty basic..

Melissa - posted on 07/08/2010

If You Dont Teach Them Early They'll Never Learn. My Son Is Nine Months And He Listens When I Tell Him No Because I Only Tell Him No When He's In Danger. I Think You Should Do What You Think Is Best :)

Stephanie - posted on 07/08/2010

ur doing fine. as he gets older he will sleep less. my son is 2 1/2, he sleeps 8pm till 7am and has 1 or 1 1/2 hour nap at around 1pm.

Nichole - posted on 07/08/2010

Thanks again everyone. I appreciate all the comments and encouragement.

Danielle - posted on 07/08/2010

you're doing an awesome job! dont let anyone tell you different.. each parent has a different way to raise their children you chosen that way and you're doing just fine... keep up the good work!

Sarah - posted on 07/08/2010

Ok Kelina. Thanks for clarifying. :-)

Maya - posted on 07/08/2010

Every child is unique. I have three and they are all different in both temperament and physical needs. Listen to your child; and watch him for clues -- it seems like you already know him pretty well. You know he needs a nap.

About "no". When I had my first child -- a son -- I swore I wouldn't baby talk him and wouldn't say "because I'm your mother." As a result, when I said "no" I explained simply as I could why I said no. I started doing this when he was really too young to understand, but he'd listen and hold my gaze and by the time he was old enough to get what I was saying, I was in the habit of explaining simply and fully why I was saying no. He was in his early teens when I finally said, one day, in the heat of a complicated situation, "Because..." I later said, "I'm sorry, I promised I wouldn't do that. He said, "That's okay, mom. I understand that was shorthand for "because I've been there, done that and know more about the situation. Trust me.'"

God bless him--he passed that along to his sisters, explaining that when mom says, "because I'm mom," she's asking you to trust her experience. It works most of the time even though neither girl is nearly as laid back as their brother.

BTW, with my son, I never had to tell him "no" more than twice in any given situation. All those childproof locks we bought? Wasted on him. :)

Tina - posted on 07/08/2010

I say do what works for you and your son. Many are going to tell u what they think or how they did for their kids. But he is your son and you do know whats best for him

Becky - posted on 07/08/2010

My daughter (she'll be 12 months at the end of July) understands what "no" means, but that doesn't mean she always listens. :) If she didn't learn it early it would have made our future a disaster, in my opinion.

There are certain things she is not allowed to touch - our wood stove, for instance. Since she's been mobile we haven't used it (it's been too warm) but in the winter it is our primary source of heat and is ALWAYS going. If she isn't told "no" she can't touch it, she won't understand that's off limits and this winter, when it's going full-force, she will burn herself.

Another thing she can't play with is the dog's food and water dish. Most things that are inappropriate for her at this age (electric sockets, glass dishes, etc.) are put out of her reach or made safe (outlet covers, etc.). But the dog food and water won't hurt her if she gets into them, so my husband and I are using it as an example: There are just some things she has to leave alone.

The hard part is enforcing the "no." Some kids don't like the stern voice of Mommy coming their way, so they avoid hearing it at all and don't touch what brings the "stern Mommy voice." Others (such as my daughter) think it's a game when Mommy or Daddy says "no" and does it again and again just to see what they'll do. Since spanking is out of the question at this age, I simply remove her from the object and sit her alone in the middle of the room and walk away, ignoring her. I make sure I can still see her, but make it clear I'm not moving her to play, but moving her because what she was doing wasn't acceptable.

My point is that there are many ways to enforce "no" and all babies need to understand what it means.

As far as the schedule/routine thing, it is my opinion that babies do better with routines. If they know that after they eat they get to play and after they play for a while it's naptime, after which they get to eat again, it makes sense. They know what's coming and they don't get anxious. Also, many parents give their children a bath, get them in PJs, read them a story, and put them to bed. It's a night-time routine that signals, "It's bedtime now, let's calm down and get ready to sleep." Babies understand that and it makes each new stage easier.

But, as many people have said - this is YOUR son. You are the NUMBER ONE expert on what he does and doesn't need, and if he needs more sleep, give him more sleep. If there's reason to be concerned, your doctor will say something, not other people. But really...when have you ever heard that a baby has been sleeping "too much?" :)

Trish - posted on 07/08/2010

I don't see a problem in saying no. Thats how they learn. As for your routine. You know what works for your baby and what doesn't. You know your baby best and if what your doing is right for you and your baby don't mess with it and just go with it. They can say all they like, I can bet they are not the ones dealing with him when he is cranky! Some people just don't get it though and you can't tell them any different. Perhaps you need to them have him for a day and let them experience what it is like looking after him with their way and suffer the consequences.

Chanell - posted on 07/08/2010

You are doing just fine! Telling him no is what you need to do if you don't correct him he will never learn and think it is ok. Every child is different. If that routine works for him keep it up. When my daughter was one she still took 3 one hour naps a day. She is now 2.5 and usually takes anywhere from a 1 - 2 hour daily. My 3 month old daughter is still asleep more than she is awake in a day. A good mom know what works for them and their children. Keep up the good work!!

Alison - posted on 07/08/2010

Two naps for a baby of that age is normal. Don't listen to others do what you think is right for your baby. He will gradually move to one sleep, sooner or later he will get out of that 8 oclock nap.

Ann - posted on 07/08/2010

You sound as if your doing everything that is best for you and your son, of course others are going to have different ways of doing things, but i would take the course its my way or the highway, my parents raised 8 of us and they used all different styles with us and you can tell who got told no and who didnt lol.

I have a 2 and a half yr old and i most definetly tell her no they have to learn they cant have everything all the time or there is a danger they dont learn that things dont just come to them because they want them.

I recently enroled lynzi in nursery and they are all for the "positive parenting" which seems to suggest ignoring bad behaviours and rewarding good is the way to go, to be honest i dont want anyone else diciplining my child so this suits me

Tracy - posted on 07/08/2010

i think i was telling my son no from the time he was 6 mths old, at least your son seems to listen to you.. lol.. mine don't.
And if that routine works for your son then thats what you do, don't let anyone tell you that you are doning it wrong, and you will find as he does get a bit older he will cut the naps out himself and you will be able to tell that he is not tired etc..

Trindy - posted on 07/08/2010

Good on you Nicole, sounds like you doing a wonderful job, never to early to teach them No, and great that you able to work a schedule from a young age, We did neither and suffer big time, my kids are 14 and 7, and rule the roost.
No is good to learn, as you can make your own home child proof, but can't guarentee than other places you visit will be, so being able for him No and he be conpliant will be a great safety tool.

Becky - posted on 07/08/2010

I told my daughter no from a young age and started around 9-10 months I even started putting her in "timeouts" My the time she was 12 months she knew what she could do and what she couldn't. Babies are very smart and too many people underestimate them. I put her on a schedule when she came home from the hospital and if she missed a nap she was so cranky. My youngest now is 5 1/2 months and while she is not the best at keeping to the schedule she still does pretty good and in a few months I will start teaching her right from wrong just like I did with my oldest.. Kids learn right from wrong from their parents so there is no harm in teaching them early.

Katherine - posted on 07/08/2010

Yeah really. Your his mom, you've been doing this for a while now I would think you know what you're doing LOL. I hate when people do that. Tell them thanks, but this is what works for you and your son----->the end.
As for no, it's just not productive they say. They just hear the word and don't really listen. Now you must have one of those golden children who do. Mine thought it was funny.
Honestly? They need to worry about themselves and stop meddling in your affairs. That's my opinion ;)

Gabby - posted on 07/07/2010

I would go with what you think not what others think. I also told my daughter no, and had her on a routine. And I also let her take 2-3 naps during the day. Once she got a little older, I changed her routine to only have one solid nap during the day.

Elizabeth - posted on 07/07/2010

My opinion is he is your son. Children do need to be told no and schedules are good for them. Who ever is telling you this has a problem with discipline. Children need to taught right from wrong from as early as possible. Not figure it out on their own. That's what a so called parent who doesn't care how their child turns out does. If you child does better with a schedule then do it. And tell others to mind their own business and deal with their own self discipline problems.

Sonya - posted on 07/07/2010

hun your son is a growing boy. he needs all the sleep he can get.. my daughter is nine mnths old and i tell her no all the time. they need to know that they can explore but some places and things shouldnt be. u have him on a great schedule. u are his mother and if u like that shedule then keep it. dont let others interfere with that.

Jennifer - posted on 07/07/2010

i never moved breakables etc...my children were all told no at that age and on a schedule they are now 10 and 11 with no damage done : )

Christel - posted on 07/07/2010

thats good and all that your baby listens to the word no for now wait until they hit the 2 to 7 years old when they tell you NO! with everything you tell them! I would only say NO to them when you really need to say it dont say it all the time they will find it as a game! I started all my last 4 children to be potty trained at age 9 to 12 months! Everytime they would wake up in the moring they sat on the potty everytime they ate they sat on the potty everytime they drank there juice they sat on the potty they were all potty trained by 16 to 18 months old! I think the best thing is to keep them on set times when nap time is and bedtime and feeding times. You are doing great keep it up!

Kelina - posted on 07/07/2010

Sarah when i'm talking to him I call him rion. When I'm talking to other people I call him rion, it's only when I introduce him that I introduce him as mr destructo and he;s usually in the process of destroying something in my house. Hence mr. destructo. He;s only two and the family has tried to convince her that she needs to discipline him, but it's gotten to the point most people don't invite her over becasue her son is so bad. He;s only two. I use the nickname when i'm talking to other people about him when he's not around. I do know haw destructive nicknames can be.

Samantha - posted on 07/07/2010

My daughter will be turning 9 months on the tomorrow and she knows when we say no we mean it. That doesn't mean that if she does grab something we don't want her to have that we don't replace it with something she can have. It's a distraction from not getting what she wants. When I take away something I tell her she can't have that but she CAN have this, giving her a toy or something.

About the naps. Go for what your baby needs. My daughter takes three naps, usually an hour each, then goes to bed at 7. If it's working, don't knock it. Is it even possible for babies to sleep too much? They're not trained to sleep like adults are. Laziness is the cause, I believe, of oversleep. I oversleep often, by the way. Babies aren't programmed to BE lazy. They want to learn and play.

I believe that you are doing a fine job. :)

Sherri - posted on 07/07/2010

I also used no with my 3 boys. They were most certainly all on a routine. Your son doesn't seem to sleep much at all. At 10mo's my son was taking a 1-2hr morning nap, a 2-3 hour afternoon nap and in bed for the night between 8:30-9pm and would sleep 11-12hrs a night.