Originally posted by: Tangerine
First of all, you should speak to your pediatrician for some advice. But here's my 2 cents.
Please don't spank an 18 month old baby. You really can't 'talk' to an 18 month old either. Anything longer than a sentence and they really won't pay attention.
So when you say she wont listen, I'm wondering, listen to what? Will an 18 month old clean up her toys all by herself? No. But she will clean them up with you if you make a game out of it. Use her intelligence there. Ask her if she can put away all the red blocks, then blue blocks, etc. And you have to do it with her.
If you have to put her for a time out, 5 minutes is too long. The going rate for time outs is 1 minute per age of the child. So a 2 year old gets 2 minutes, 3 yr old 3 minutes, etc.
I know you say you are spending time with both of them, but try to spend time with just her, at least 15 solid minutes at a time, reading stories, watching barney together, whatever.
My youngest used to be a biter, never bit me, just her sister. If you try to anticipate when she's getting frustrated and distract her with something more fun, she'll forget all about it. You have to be there, and in tune with when she's getting frustrated.
I hope that helps. Sorry for going on so much, but I saw some silly advice here, and want to add something sane.
edited to say, I don't think your advice is silly joohang