I've got a kiddo who is physically and mentally well beyond 12 months. He was cruising at 7 months, walking at 8 and running by 9. He is super strong and although he's still largely non verbal he's a pretty smart cookie. My trouble is and he tests authority as if he was smack dab in the middle of his terrible twos. It's pretty near constant at this point. An example, while I'm making lunch no one is allowed in the kitchen. My living room is dedicated to my infants. There is plenty to occupy him and he's not particularly clingy but wouldn't you know the second he sees me starting up lunch he will bee line for the stove with this snarky little grin on his face. He shows zero interest in the kitchen all day otherwise but as soon as he knows I'll keep him out of there he HAS to get in. All I do is put him back in the living room.....over and over and over again. he will literally toe the line between carpet and laminate sorting out how far he can push it. He'll pitch toys into the kitchen so he has a reason to cross (I think this is hilarious and demonstrates just how smart he is but for obvious safety reasons I need a clear boundary). Every single day is a power struggle. The bigs are fine playing on their own and my other two littles don't test at all so it's no big deal to remain consistent, but if that just gives you an idea of his personality at this point.
My trouble comes with this new found slapping issue. He loves to raise his hands and smack to get a reaction out of whoever is around him. At only 12 months I have no idea what to do aside from redirection, and redirection doesn't work for beans. He'll then slap *me* as I'm picking him up or moving him. If I take his hand and hold it he'll take his other one and swat at me or in my direction, if I take that one and hold it once I let them both go I'll get anything from complete whomp at my face on down to just a tiny air swish.....but he's never one to just let it go if you understand what I mean.
I feel this is escalating as he thoroughly enjoys antagonizing others. I understand a lot of it is largely normal testing, but with this kiddo in particular I sense that if I don't play this game right from the get go he is the type that it could get out of hand with, and fast. At pick up he decks his mom in the face and it pains her and I both to see him act like that. At home she does put him on time out and has said she's gently slapped his fingers but that just causes him to get angry and do it more. Both mom and dad are fantastic and we're all just looking for some help as to how to get a grip on his 'tude, if that's even possible at this point.
Much thanks for any suggestions or advice
My trouble comes with this new found slapping issue. He loves to raise his hands and smack to get a reaction out of whoever is around him. At only 12 months I have no idea what to do aside from redirection, and redirection doesn't work for beans. He'll then slap *me* as I'm picking him up or moving him. If I take his hand and hold it he'll take his other one and swat at me or in my direction, if I take that one and hold it once I let them both go I'll get anything from complete whomp at my face on down to just a tiny air swish.....but he's never one to just let it go if you understand what I mean.
I feel this is escalating as he thoroughly enjoys antagonizing others. I understand a lot of it is largely normal testing, but with this kiddo in particular I sense that if I don't play this game right from the get go he is the type that it could get out of hand with, and fast. At pick up he decks his mom in the face and it pains her and I both to see him act like that. At home she does put him on time out and has said she's gently slapped his fingers but that just causes him to get angry and do it more. Both mom and dad are fantastic and we're all just looking for some help as to how to get a grip on his 'tude, if that's even possible at this point.
Much thanks for any suggestions or advice

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