When is it okay to start disciplining ?

Question

My son is 6 months old, he's starting to develop a wild personality 😳 which is cool to see. But sometimes he'll hit you...not out of anger though, he just gets excited or too happy and starts swings his arms around. I also try to teach him to pet the dog and cat nice instead of just take a grab at them. I try to tell him "no" or "easy" if he starts pulling my hair and stuff but again he's only 6 months old...i guess I was unsure of what age it's appropriate to start telling them things like "no" or discipling (not like spanking or anything just being firm that you shouldn't do something) any tips or suggestions would be appreciated ! Thank you :)

Answer

lol my mum has been telling off my 8 months old since he was about 5 months 🤣 talk about tough love! To be honest, I think it's an issue that will totally divide opinions, but I personaly  think you can start teaching him what is acceptable and what's not. my husband tells me off for beung too stern with our little one but as I say to him, I'm not having my kid turn into an unruly 2 years old because I let everything go at an age when I believe he starts to understand. Anyway, best of luck, it's a freaking minefield being a parent!😉

Answer

My daughter starting learning and absorbing what "No" meant around 8 months. Whether she chooses to listen is up to her. She's 11 months now and if she has something she's not allowed to have she looks at me and runs away with it. It's honestly the cutest thing ever lol...for now..

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If he smacks younor is rough put him in the corner of the room and walk away every time. This becomes boring for them and they soon stop, any reaction to them hitting is exciting for them at this age.

Answer

My daughter is 6 months tomorrow, but I have also started saying 'no' if she's being rough or reaching for my phone ect. I also do the 'gentle' when she reaches for our pets. She normally end up with a bit of fur in her fist 😒 but we are trying. I don't see anything wrong with some gentle direction at this age.

Answer

It's definitely a touchy Subject but I think you're doing the right thing Mama! Your babies need to know from very early on that certain things are unnecessary and unacceptable. And you, in a way, need to establish your authority. Now, I know we are not talking about physical discipline cause I hope we would all agree spanking an 6mo old for hitting you (as you said, not on purpose) is not okay. Just maybe make sure all your words aren't firm, that your baby receives more love than disciple. 💕

Answer

my son is 9 months old, i asked the pediatrician when he should understand no. she said at his age he should stop what hes doing and look at me. then continue what hes doing lol. best thi g to do is divert attention to something else at this age

Answer

My daughter is 9 months and I've been doing what you've been doing as far as teaching gentle touch so I say "gentle" then show her using hand over hand how to touch me or the dog gently. If she does it on her own I say "awe nice" and smile at her. The only time I use the word "no" with a bit of a raised voice (not angry but a bit louder with a concerned tone) is when she's going to do something dangerous like lately she tries to pull at cords (yes I try to hide them as much as possible) but I also want her to learn that it's dangerous so when I say "no" she stops and looks at me and I say in French "don't touch". If it's not a dangerous situation then I try to use the positive word choice giving her what I want her to do so instead of "don't grab" I say "gentle"... this way when I say "no" she knows it's serious because she hasn't heard me say it 100x a day. I learned this with a boy I worked with, he wouldn't listen to anything you said lol but if you said "stop!" he knew to stop because something was dangerous. As for discipline, babies don't understand discipline, really only redirection and teaching them desired behaviour works at this point.

Answer

Say no. We don't do this or that. Remove and redirect. If he flips out put him in the pack and play or crib to keep him safe.

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Way too young. They don't understand, it'll be fruitless and just ruin your relationship with them, honestly. At 16 months we still only do very small discipline, like having to sit down for a minute and calm down. They don't learn from you yelling or punishing them. They learn from you explaining why what they are doing is wrong. No one gives kids enough credit, but they are smart. My daughter has never touched a stove or even tried to, and already knows it's hot and a no no. 
Also, if you're not always perfect, you can't hold your child to a higher standard. No one listens 100% of the time, or behaves good, or is in a good mood.

Answer

6 months is very old and they most likely won't be able to understand discipline. I would say continue what your doing and also try to demonstrate the correct way to do things. I think a young baby would be more inclined to understanding by visuals. So with the thing with petting animals try to demonstrate the correct way to do it while saying "pet nice" or something. It's probably not going to come easy so have patients and eventually, it may take a very long time, but they'll grow up and hopeful understand

When is it okay to start disciplining ?

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