At what age do babies understand discipline? Other ways to discipline your child
Many parents wonder at what age it is appropriate to start disciplining their baby and how to do it effectively. Sometimes, parents misunderstand the concept of "discipline." Don't confuse strictness with discipline. To discipline a child, you don’t need to enforce overly harsh rules, but you also shouldn’t be too lenient. If some parents give their child too much freedom, the child may become difficult to manage.Children who are rebellious often have difficulty socializing. They struggle to build relationships with peers and find it hard to communicate both at school and within the family. In the future, these difficulties can affect their academic success and career growth.
Advice:
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What is discipline?
Discipline should be rooted in trust. A child should learn to do things independently, to make the right choices, and to take responsibility for them. When you prohibit something, clearly explain why it’s not allowed and what consequences may follow if the child breaks the rule.
- Don’t do it
Correct way to set a boundary:
- You shouldn’t do this because...
What age is appropriate for starting discipline?
You can begin teaching your child habits and discipline from infancy. Let’s take a closer look at methods that work best at different ages.
- From 0 to 3 years
Infants and toddlers are very active. They explore the world around them. During this time, parents should focus on protecting their baby from potential dangers. This means anything that could harm your child should be kept out of reach.
For example, household chemicals, matches, and sharp or small objects should be stored away. Cover electrical outlets and make sure the environment is safe. It's also important to provide enough physical activity for your child. Play with them, go for walks, and engage them in fun, educational games. Gently and clearly explain what they are allowed and not allowed to do. If your baby doesn’t understand right away, don’t raise your voice—just repeat your instructions calmly and consistently. Over time, your child will learn what is expected.
The most important thing for parents to remember is that calmness and distraction are the keys to positive results. Communicate with your child without aggression and redirect their attention to something interesting if they become fixated on a forbidden activity. -
From 3 to 5 years
At this age, children need to feel valued and loved by their parents. Make sure to praise your child for positive behavior and achievements. Some parents forget to encourage their child but remember to punish misbehavior, which can lead the child to act out just to get attention.
So, how should you respond to misbehavior and disobedience? You can use a brief time-out, such as leaving the child in a safe room like the bathroom or another space without toys or entertainment. Make sure the room isn’t frightening—the light should be on and drinking water should be available. Set a timer, for example, for 15 minutes, so the child knows exactly how long the time-out will last. When time is up, allow them to return to their activities.
This mild consequence helps children understand that misbehavior will have consequences. The time spent alone gives them a chance to calm down and think about their actions. However, this kind of punishment is not suitable for children who are afraid of closed spaces.
If your child is deliberately disobedient, stay calm. Let them know they cannot manipulate you by pushing your limits. Over time, they will realize that resistance is ineffective and will start to behave better. - From 6 to 12 years
At this stage, children should clearly understand their responsibilities and follow through with them. They should also understand the consequences of not meeting their commitments. For example, if homework isn’t completed, they may not be allowed to go out and play. Parents should set a good example for their children.
If you want your child to be polite, model that behavior yourself. A reward chart is a good method at this age. Children earn points for positive actions and can exchange these points for something they want. Let your child choose their own rewards, which motivates them to work towards their goals.
Talk with your child, be interested in their life, and consult with them regularly. This builds your credibility and makes it easier for your child to listen to you. Don’t expect them to act like adults; give them space to be children. Most importantly, focus on your child’s happiness, not just on their behavior. A child who feels loved and respected will be less likely to act out and provoke negative reactions.