It is hard to overemphasize consistency with discipline and correction.
The nice thing about consistency is that it will show you when you are off track. If you cannot consistently apply your approach and get the results in the medium to long run then that is likely a sign that your approach needs to be re-worked. For example, if you are too “light” and not direct enough with your nuggets then you will quickly see your child ignoring your attempts both mentally and behaviorally. That is because you are effectively teaching them “No!, unless of course you are willing to put up with this annoyance that comes along with your bad action”. For some things the child will respond by showing you they don’t mind your halfhearted attempt at disciplining them… the shiny object is worth it.
Now if you are not consistent with your correction/discipline then that can be even worse. Think about it from your child’s perspective. They are figuring out the world from a trial and error approach. A home where 3 times I get a soft “no” when I do something and then on the 4th I just get picked up and given another toy… and then on the 50th time I get screamed at is more like the scenes from Alice in Wonderland than an environment to grow into.
For a young nugget, your goal is to be direct, using a firm discipline that is strong enough to stop them in their tracks, allow them room and space to mentally decide if they will repeat it a second (or 3rd or 4th or…) time, reapply the same discipline and then finally praise them and comfort them when they willingly choose to turn away. Then put them in the same situation again multiple times. Show them the object a few times and then point and calmly, but firmly say “That is a no, no.” while shaking your head. Reinforce it.
This takes effort. This takes consistency. This takes work, especially when you are tired or want to be focused on a conversation or something else. This takes a willingness to discipline in public/with friends/in front of family/etc.
Finally, spouses should have conversations about this. Use specific situations to discuss. Come to each others aid when you realize one person needs a break. Again on the consistency note, it is important that the child is getting the same reaction from both Mom and Dad.
Be encouraged. Realize that these small seeds, while difficult, are forming a beautiful foundation for future behavior. Eventually these struggles become more internal and difficult to diagnose and deal with. Imagine how valuable it is to form this internal character and obedience now. This is a lifelong treasure you have the opportunity to give, something that will bless your nugget as well as you and your spouse for a lifetime.