Hi Shiver, sorry to hear you are getting to the end of your tether!

I would really recommend a pen, we got one for Roger and its been a lifesaver. With a boisterous toddler in the house it gives him somewhere to chill out and also keeps him out of the way when we need some mummy and son time.

I work from home part time so when I am on the computer upstairs he stays in the pen downstairs, then I take frequent breaks to take him out to the toilet and have playtimes. So far, this has worked out really well and he is very happy to take it easy in there. I'm not working today but he's just having a love nap in there and had another one this morning.

As someone else mentioned, I never use it as a form of punishment, and always make sure he gets some tasty treats whenever he goes in it. We have his crate in it as well and its where he sleeps at night.

If Roger gets too overexcited and starts being 'nippy' I put him in the next room, shut the door, count to twenty, then let him back in again with no fuss or attention. It seems to be working, sort of ...

Good luck!