How do I deal with spitting from a 2 yr old?

[BDKmom]

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.

[BDKmom]

Bumping--any thoughts?

[mikala]

I would consider spitting worthy of a timeout and its pretty obvious when it is appropriate to spit and when it isn't so it shouldn't take many timeouts to get the point across.

[KpbS]

I remember this stage! We told DS1 that he could spit any time he "needed" to but ONLY in the bathroom sink. It took a couple of days for him to remember the rule but it really worked well.

hth

[crl]

I think I'd escort him to the bathroom anytime there was spitting. That was our remedy to potty talk. At least maybe it is worth a try?

Catherine

[teresah00]

I reminded them spitting was for the sink, took them to the sink and let them spit away. It Quickly lost its appeal.

[Simon]

Originally Posted by KpbS

I remember this stage! We told DS1 that he could spit any time he "needed" to but ONLY in the bathroom sink. It took a couple of days for him to remember the rule but it really worked well.

hth

We don't bother punishing for spitting or trying to stop it. We make an appropriate time and place for it until the novelty passes. It doesn't last long here. Usually only the bathroom is OK and the Dc is in there alone. If we are out and about then either it has to stop or the kid is removed (taken outside, away from others), or if possible to a public bathroom. That only happened once or twice. The kids don't want to leave the fun to go and spit.