We have recently starting trying to teach DS (26 months) how to brush his teeth with toothpaste. Part of this is teaching him to spit out the toothpaste when he's done. He's getting the hang of it, but now he wants to spit at other times also. It's just a novelty thing, I think, and he is pretty amused by it. Of course, we are not. We have talked to him repeatedly about how spitting is only to be done in the sink. So far he's not getting it.

Any advice or BTDT on how to curb this behavior? Is it just a phase that will pass? I put him in timeout over it this weekend, but maybe I should reserve timeout for more serious behaviors so that it has more impact. IDK. Any input would be appreciated.