Off/On

I had a nephew when he was about 2-3 he was nuts for the cord on the vacuum. He would wind and unwind it repeatedly until we made him stop. His best was when you gave him a piece of rope or a shoelace to wrap around something. They will outgrow it.

Hi. Their curiousity at this age is so cute but it can lead to danger too. I would recommend covering all outlets with child proof covers if he is pulling out plugs. He could get seriously hurt. They sell the kind that go right over outlets that have things plugged into them so kids cannot unplug things. They do outgrow their curiousity with the dishwasher, light switches, etc. I always tried to appease my 2 girls during these stages and allow them to explore and satisfy their curiousity as long as it was safe.

Hi D. - This is just a phase. He'll get over it soon and be on to the next thing that drives you nuts!

Why don't you get the book, "Your Baby and Child" by Penelope Leach? This is the BEST book ever for infants all the way through to 5 years old. I can't recommend it highly enough.

At two, you want to say no to them as little as possible - if not, you are saying it constantly. So her advice is to completely child proof your house - in this case, make as many buttons as you can inaccessible...

Create an environment where he can make his own, safe choices without you making them for him all the time.

The very first word I used and taught my daughter the meaning of - when she was this age - was "danger" (at this age, they can only really grasp and understand one word at a time - the time for long explanations comes later...)

"Danger" was such a great word because it means that they could get hurt - period (street, pool, dog, outlet, stairs...) But think about the ramifications of knowing this word early and using it throughout his life... It will serve him forever.

First, move the dangerous stuff. And then say no only when he's going to get hurt... Otherwise, it turns into a game for him. Dangerous territory to set a precedence in! (Yikes - there's that word again!)

Two is ALL ABOUT control, and power. He is realizing that he does have some of his own. So this is the perfect time to help him understand that yes, he does have some of his own, but he has to begin to learn how to get it and respect it.

If not, you will have a life-long power struggle on your hands! (Know anyone like that?? LOL - we all do!)

Relax and have fun. It's just a phase (however, how you handle the phases will determine the rest of his life! So go get that book... :-)

I have two boys (2 1/2 and 4) and that is just the way boys are. They take everything apart and, just when I think I have the babyproofing down, they figure it out. My younger son recently figured out how to completely unlatch his seatbelt. ANd they don't even make anything that I can find to stop it. I just had to tell him he can't unlatch it until the car is parked and we use the child car locks on the sliding door of our van so he can't jump out of the car. They do like those boards with locks and latches, but boys always seem to want the real thing. Just keep babyproofing as things come up. Watch the outside doors. My son figured those out pretty quickly. We installed double keyed bolts so he couldn't just run outside. It does get better. My older son was much better about that stuff by about 3 1/2. Now that he is almost 5, he wants to help his dad with everything involving tools. They do grow out of that stage. Just keep up with him and hang in there.

You are going to have to just remove it all. To keep him safe and out of his reach, especially during this phase. Keeping him safe should be tops! He sounds very, very busy like my guy!

To add to to the other posts--We have outlet covers that include sockets that you have to turn to be able to plug something in. When the plug is pulled out, the socket automatically turns & nothing can be plugged into it until it's manipulated a particular way. RE: the car--most cars have a switch on the door (usually in the metal area where the door latched when closed) that can be turned to prevent the car door from being opened from the inside. One of the ways we've been able to prevent the constant on/off, was to tell our DS that he is in charge of turning things off & on. For example, when we leave the house, it was his job (still is!) to turn off the lights, etc. Good luck with your little scientist.

Hi D.,

You want to encourage your son's curiousity while keeping him safe. It sounds like he's interested in finding out how things work, so how about redirecting him to safe activities that meet his need to make something happen? You got some great advice below about child proofing, etc., but I want to offer some ideas for specific toys that I know from experience keep curious hands and minds busy. Pop up toys that require your son to flip a switch, turn a knob,etc. to make a sound or make a character pop up are great. Everyone always thinks these are for younger kids,but it's the two and three year olds that really love them. Melissa and Doug Toys make two great wooden puzzles - one is called Latches and the other is Locks and they really work! Try giving your son an old cell phone, or computer keyboard as well so he can push buttons to his hearts delight.Montessori Supply Catologs sell large learning boards that have big buttons , zippers, and lacing activities to challenge young hands and minds. Finally, and this is the most expensive suggestion, TAG Compny makes a wooden discovery busy lock box, which has several doors that open when a child unlatches,or unlocks them. There are two compartments inside to hide treasures. This toy costs about $60.00, but is beautifully made and sturdy, and kids use it often and well into the time they are turning 4 years old, because there are so many different ways to use it. Anyway, I hope some of these ideas are helpful to you ! L. S

First I would get the outlet covers. What about making something with switches for him? You can even buy the boards with locks and latches etc. would be perfect for him. It would appease his curiosity in a safe way and drive you less crazy. : )

I know it might seem like a long shot, but try looking on line for hobbies for kids his age who are advanced at their age....or like schools who teach little ones who are gifted.....and have him watched and tested to see if in fact he is a wiz.....you'd never know until you try....god bless k