We have entered a new stage of life. It is what I like to call, "The ultimate chase." My child likes to run away from me and does not like to be held for long periods of time. This is way different from the sweet cuddly baby I am used to. Harper likes to climb, he likes to run, and he likes to demolish things. Yep, he is all boy. I'm afraid this phase is going to be the end of me. I feel like I spend 90% of my day chasing him or picking up after him.
Yesterday we went to the park. Did he want to play with the other kids? Nope. Did he want to sit down and eat ice cream? Not a chance. He wanted to climb the gigantic rocks, the stairs, and anything else that looked remotely dangerous. So I spent my time CHASING him. He does not like to be chased. And he does not like to be removed from the things he is climbing. So we had lots of red faces and screaming all afternoon. Where did my sweet, easy, carefree child go?
And to make it even worse, he is actually REALLY good at climbing things. He figured out how to climb up the rock wall on his play set and go down the slide all by himself. This can't be normal for a 17 month old?! He has been going up and down our staircases at home for many, many months. He can even climb up into bathroom sinks.
Has anyone else had similar issues? How long does this phase last? Or is this completely normal for little boys? And what age is a good age to start to discipline him? He is too young to understand timeout or taking away privledges. I think he understands the word "no" but he does not listen to the word, it just pisses him off. Any advice would be appreciated!
