If our kids are not already over the top curious, add a pet into the mix and see what happens. Nodding my head on this end as I read your post. Water bowls are the best toy in the house. We go through waves with DD3. She was fascinated with the dogs' food center from a very early age. She tried some food, yum and always played in the water. We could have picked up the bowls and kept it out of her reach and on a few occasions when she out and out refused to leave it alone we did for a few days but I fully believe that they have to learn to co-exist. As far as the spank them and all of that crap; I shiver to think about the kids raised by those parents. I said a long time ago that I am not opposed to spanking but only a quick pop on the bottom or hand to get their attention and only when they are potentially harming themselves such as a hot stove. I never had to do it because DD understood the concept of hot from a very young age. By age 2 she was able to cook with us at the stove top because she understood not to touch it.
DD still will get into the water bowl every once in a while. She gets a timeout instantly and after her timeout she has to help clean up. Though cleaning up is more of a reward for her, but having to sit in the timeout while I start to clean up ... now that is pure punishment. :P
