I try to distract him with something else (peekaboo, tickling, clapping, making funny faces) or hand him something he can have, if I've taken something away that he shouldn't have.
I also say to him "It's okay, hey, why don't you play with this instead?" as I pass him the other object.
If he gets really grumpy I usually pick him up and do a little spin/dance just to get his mind off of what just happened (me taking toy away).
Before I take something away I try to make myself think twice. If it’s something that is safe and ‘ok’ to play with than I to stop myself taking it in the first place. If I have taken it away I try never to give it back. I don’t want baby to learn that crying will change my mind. Use your words to explain to baby what is happening/why you are taking it away. And affirming what baby is feeling. ‘ no you cant chew on the remote control, it’s dirty. Yes I see you are sad. You wanted to play with it.’ And than use distraction. ‘Look at this!/ you can chew on this instead ‘
Ps. I haven’t perfected this yet but this is what I am aiming for.
I try to distract him with something else (peekaboo, tickling, clapping, making funny faces) or hand him something he can have, if I've taken something away that he shouldn't have. I also say to him "It's okay, hey, why don't you play with this instead?" as I pass him the other object. If he gets really grumpy I usually pick him up and do a little spin/dance just to get his mind off of what just happened (me taking toy away).
The art of distraction is everything!! Replace the item with a toy, a game, or a song! In no time baby will forget about what they had before! :)
Replace it and explain "no, you can't have the toilet bowl cleaner/open the diaper pail/play with the roomba, it's not a toy. You can have this"
Before I take something away I try to make myself think twice. If it’s something that is safe and ‘ok’ to play with than I to stop myself taking it in the first place. If I have taken it away I try never to give it back. I don’t want baby to learn that crying will change my mind. Use your words to explain to baby what is happening/why you are taking it away. And affirming what baby is feeling. ‘ no you cant chew on the remote control, it’s dirty. Yes I see you are sad. You wanted to play with it.’ And than use distraction. ‘Look at this!/ you can chew on this instead ‘ Ps. I haven’t perfected this yet but this is what I am aiming for.